STEM intl students explore robotics role in agriculture at SEARCA

SCIENCE, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program students at the Reedley International School visited the Los Baños-based Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) to explore the role of robotics in agriculture.

Reedley International School is a private, nonsectarian, nontraditional, co-educational school in Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines that combines progressive and traditional learning approaches.

Accompanied by their teachers and guardians, the 14 Grade 12 international students participated in a robotics learning session and toured the SEARCA Hub for Agricultural and Rural Innovation for the Next Generation (SHARING) on December 7, 2023.

At the SHARING Café, the students were presented with a Lincoln Learning Solutions video showcasing the applications of robotics in medicine, industry and agriculture.

Following this presentation by Richard Angelo Natata, program associate of SEARCA's Emerging Innovation for Growth Department (EIGD), the students had the opportunity to build LEGO robots with guidance from key EIGD staff.

SEARCA Director Dr. Glenn Gregorio said the students during their SHARING tour gained insights into Southeast Asia's agricultural history and landscape, its farm innovation stories and agripreneurship products.

Furthermore, Gregorio said the students delved into artwork installations, interactive technologies and innovation tools.