The Bicol University – Regional Center for Science and Mathematics Education Development (BU-RCSMED) was established on June 29, 2016, through Board of Regents Resolution No. 94, series of 2016. It was created to sustain and broaden the mission of the former Regional Science Teaching Center, a DOST-SEI initiative dedicated to strengthening science and mathematics teaching and learning in the Bicol Region.

Operating under the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, BU-RCSMED is committed to advancing quality science and mathematics education through:

• Capacity building for educators
• Instructional materials development
• Research and knowledge generation
• STEM promotion
• Outreach programs for diverse communities

These initiatives are carried out in close collaboration with academic units, educational institutions, government agencies, and other partners, serving educators, learners, and stakeholders in both formal and nonformal education settings.

BU-RCSMED upholds a culture of excellence, integrity, collaboration, and service, anchored in the university’s mandate of research and extension.

Our Vision

A scientifically literate and progressive Bicol Region, empowered by future-ready educators and learners equipped with the skills, knowledge, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Philosophy

The Center recognizes that quality science and mathematics education is the cornerstone of a scientifically literate and progressive society. By empowering educators through continuous professional development, promoting excellence and inclusivity in learning, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, we contribute to nurturing a generation of problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens. Guided by excellence, integrity, collaboration, and service, we commit to making science and mathematics education relevant for all.

Mission

Advance science and mathematics education through programs that empower educators and learners through capacity building, curriculum support, and relevant research and extension initiatives – fostering excellence, integrity, collaboration, and responsible stewardship toward a sustainable future.

Functions

1. Provide continuing education programs to upgrade the professional knowledge, skills, practices, and attributes of science and mathematics educators
2. Design and develop curriculum and instructional materials that address institutional and regional development concerns and challenges
3. Conduct STEM promotion and outreach activities to promote science and mathematics literacy
4. Conduct and support significant RDE activities for the generation of knowledge and evidence-based reforms
5. Engage in institutional collaboration for the enhancement of science and mathematics education in the region
6. Review university RDE undertakings under the disciplinal coverage of the Center

Sections

• Continuing Education and Extension Services Section (CEESS)

This section serves as the extension arm of the Center. It is dedicated to empowering educators, students, and institutions through targeted capacity-building initiatives and STEM promotion programs that support lifelong learning through formal, nonformal, and informal education strategies. It functions to expand the reach and impact of the Center’s mission to advance STEM education and literacy to schools and communities.

This section will be in charge of crafting proposals and implementing projects on capacity building, STEM promotion, and outreach activities.

• STEM Education Research and Development Section (SERDS)

This section serves as the innovation and knowledge-generation arm of the Center. It is dedicated to generating data on STEM education needs of the region that will drive the development of innovations in models and strategies that enhance STEM teaching and learning. It functions to strengthen the scientific foundation of STEM education initiatives and ensures their relevance, scalability, and sustainability.

This section will be in charge of crafting proposals, facilitating reviews, and monitoring the conduct of research by faculty members on STEM education.

• Administrative Support and Operations Section (ASOS)

This section ensures the efficient and effective functioning of the Center to deliver its mandate. It handles the procurement, financial processing, records management, human resource management, facility maintenance, and general services to ensure an organized and responsive work environment that supports the Center’s mission.

Programs and Projects

•  Teacher Development and Lifelong Learning Program

The Center implements continuing education initiatives for both preservice and in-service teachers aimed at enhancing educators’ STEM content and pedagogical practices. Activities are delivered either through face-to-face, blended, or remote modalities and cater to teachers at the elementary and secondary levels. Activities include workshops, lectures, and other forms of professional learning sessions.

Content enhancement in Science and Mathematics.  Trainings are offered in core science areas – biology, physics, chemistry, and earth science and in key mathematics domains – numbers and number sense, measurement and geometry, statistics and probability, and calculus. Offerings include Short Term Courses in Science and Mathematics, and Content Enhancement Training in Science and Mathematics.

 Pedagogical Capacity Building. While content-focused programs integrate instructional strategies, the Center also delivers workshops dedicated to pedagogical skills. Examples include Workshops in Teaching Science. Through its partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) under Project STAR, the Center also hosts special sessions on innovative teaching strategies in collaboration with faculty from the College of Science and the College of Education.

 The Center actively builds partnerships with schools and divisions to broaden its reach and impact. Notably, it has an ongoing agreement with DepEd SDO Legazpi on the Teacher Assistance Project (TAP) in Science and Mathematics, which provides targeted support to teachers.  As requested by schools, the Center also provides technical support to their teachers and students.

• Research and Development Program

The Center spearheads initiatives that drive innovation and offer solutions to pressing challenges in science and mathematics education in the region. These efforts include assessments, the development of resources, and the translation of evidence-based findings into practical innovations that enhance STEM teaching and learning.

Over the past years, the Center has undertaken studies such as: Assessment and Content Enhancement in Science and Mathematics for Preservice Teachers,

The Center also actively builds the capacity of university faculty through specialized workshops on conducting and publishing quality research in science and mathematics education. Past activities include workshops on Research in Science and Mathematics Education,  Action Research and Publishing, Research Proposal Preparation, Qualitative Analysis, and recently on Rasch Analysis for Instrument Development.

Through these programs, the Center fosters a culture of research, innovation, and collaboration to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of STEM education.

• STEM Promotion and Outreach Program

The STEM Promotion and Outreach program is dedicated to activities that inspire interest and foster appreciation for  STEM among students, schools, and communities. Through engaging activities, competitions, advocacy initiatives, and outreach events, the program seeks to inspire future scientists, innovators, and problem solvers, while highlighting the role of STEM in everyday life and in a progressive society.

Each year, the Center organizes competitions such as the Regional Chemistry Olympiad (RCO) and the Philippine Earth Science Olympiad (PESO), providing platforms for students to demonstrate their skills, deepen their knowledge, and strive for excellence. These events not only sharpen their skills but also nurture a passion for science and mathematics, inspiring them to consider careers in STEM.

The program also champions diversity in STEM through the Women in STEAM Forum, which celebrates the achievements of women in science and related fields. This event features inspiring stories and career insights, designed to encourage young learners to explore STEM pathways.

To cultivate early interest in STEM, the Center brings engaging Science and Mathematics Activities for Kids to elementary schools, making learning interactive and fun. It also hosts creative competitions such as science-themed poster-making contests to encourage artistic expression while reinforcing scientific ideas.  

By connecting learners, educators, and the wider public through meaningful and inclusive STEM experiences, the program plays a vital role in shaping an inspired and empowered community.