Philippine Normal College NATURAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT The Science Department has about twenty faculty members and one laboratory assistant. Classes in science runs to about seventy-five or more sections per semester. These include the undergraduate day, evening, and Saturday classes. The increasing number of science classes have made existing facilities even more inadequate. There are only three laboratory rooms used by the Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Physical Science classes. Most of the laboratory equipment were procured by the college. Some have been donated by the UNESCO. New equipment and apparatus were recently received from ICA (AID) - NEC Program. The following are the objectives in teaching the basic sciences in the four-year curriculum: 1. To help carry out the fifth general objectives of education promulgated by the National Board of Education: "To promote the science, arts and letters for the enrichment of life and the recognition of the dignity of the individual." 2. To endeavor to attain the major objectives of science education through varied activities in and out of the classroom. These major objectives are: a. To develop a functional understanding of facts, concepts, and principles of science. b. To develop the ability to use the scientific method. c. To develop basic skills, appreciations, and further interests in science. d. To develop desirable social attitudes. 3. To encourage leadership, group dynamics, as well as individual efforts and ingenuity. 4. To encourage and guide the students in the proper use of the different scientific equipment and apparatus available in the department. 5. To develop the creative and scientific abilities of students in the construction and use of inexpensive equipment (made out of local materials) in science teaching. Beginning the year 1962-1963, new science curriculum has been implemented which increases the requirement from fifteen to seventeen units in basic science courses. Three of these units are in College Mathematics. Another course in Basic Mathematics is required of students although they do not earn credit for it. The science subjects are: