USC ChemSA hosts Regional Chemistry Olympiad

by Queenie Marie Maquilang and Dr. Jack Hess Baricuatro

The laboratory practicals include qualitative tests, setup preparation and a titration challenge.

Forty-one high-school Chemistry enthusiasts from all over the provinces of Negros Oriental, Bohol, and Cebu clashed in a battle of knowledge and laboratory skills in Chemistry during the Regional Chemistry Olympiad hosted by the University of San Carlos Chemistry Students’ Association (ChemSA) on February 12, 2011.

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Contestants test their knowledge on General Inorganic and Organic Chemistry for the qualifying round.

The participants, who were already winners from their respective provincial round of competition, undertook a battery of laboratory challenges and written examination designed by the USC Department of Chemistry.  Eleven contestants from Bethany Christian School, Cebu City Science High School, Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School, Mabinay Science High School, Mandaue City Science High School, Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus, and Sisters of Mary School qualified to participate in the final “ChemBlitz” round, where contestants have to answer, under time-pressure, a pool of questions from easy, moderate and challenge categories.

The Regional Chemistry Olympiad 2011 top three places share a winning moment with their coaches.

Aaron Gabriel Uy from Philippine Science High School-CVC emerged champion for both the “ChemBlitz” round and the laboratory competition. Kimver Nuñez from Philippine Science High School-CVC and Joshua Uyheng from Bethany Christian School, won second and third places, respectively. The winners received Chemistry books, trophies, cash prizes and certificates of recognition.

Uy, Nuñez, and Uyheng will represent Region VII at the Philippine National Chemistry Olympiad on April 12, 2011, which coincidentally will be hosted by the USC Department of Chemistry in association with ChemSA.

Dr. Ed van den Berg shares some quick assessment tools in science teaching.

Concurrently held with the above activities was a seminar for the coaches given by Dr. Euwe van den Berg, visiting consultant at the Science and Math Education Department. Dr. van den Berg presented strategies in eliciting fast feedback in science teaching.

Photos: J. Locaylocay