A first-of-a-kind planetarium has been unveiled by the Philippine Science High School - Ilocos Region Campus (PSHS-IRC) as part of its plan to enrich STEM education offered on the campus.
With the theme IRC Forward: Embracing the Future on Feb.7, the planetarium was unveiled during the school’s 21st Founding Anniversary. According to Campus Director Dr. Ronnalee Orteza, the planetarium can accommodate 38 persons.
“We will open the planetarium to learners and teachers from the Department of Education (DepEd) in the region. We will seek approval of the PSHS Board of Trustees for the rate that will help in the maintenance and electricity consumption of the planetarium,” Orteza said.
With a total cost of P8.45M, the PSHS-IRC planetarium is a specially-designed theater with a domed ceiling that is able to project realistic images of the night sky indoors. Through a digital projector, the planetarium can zoom the learner from Earth to the moon, other planets, constellations of stars, and distant galaxies.
“The planetarium fosters inquiry-based learning that develops students critical thinking by formulating questions and analyzing information. This learning facility enhances the ability to see objects from different perspectives and offers the opportunity to understand our true place in space. The planetarium environment triggers curiosity among students in ways that normal classrooms cannot,” Orteza said.
The month-long foundation anniversary celebration also includes the STEM Week Celebration with science research exhibits, medical and dental mission, star gazing, STEM academic contests for DepEd students, Ading Ko Program: Good Samaritan, Mr. and Miss iSTEM Personality 2023, and Stakeholders’ Day, among others.
PSHS Board of Trustees Representative for the New and Emerging Technologies Dr. Danilo C. Lachica, Municipality of San Ildefonso Mayor Christian Daniel A. Purisima, Ilocos Sur Governor Jerry Singson, and Former First District of Ilocos Sur Representative Salacnib F. Batarina who authored the law that created PSHS-IRC attended the opening program to express their support to PSHS-IRC.