Exploring the World We Cannot See: The Ki Ni Naru Project 2026–2027 Kicks Off with Hands-On Science and Discovery
Taguig City, Philippines — October 3, 2026 — Leave a Nest Philippines successfully held the Kickoff Event of the Ki Ni Naru Project 2026–2027, bringing together 10 student research teams from eight schools at Enderun Colleges and The Mind Museum in Taguig City for a day of hands-on experimentation and scientific discovery, marking the beginning of their five-month research journey.
Carrying the theme “The World You Can’t See,” the five-month program, running from October 2026 to February 2027, encourages young researchers to explore hidden forces and phenomena through scientific investigation. The program is supported by Lockheed Martin as Main Partner, providing the Lockheed Martin Explorer Scholarship to cover program participation for five selected student teams, alongside other partners Enderun Colleges and Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation.
The five student teams selected for the Lockheed Martin Explorer Scholarship.
Beginning the Journey with Curiosity
Inspired by the Japanese expression Ki ni Naru (気になる), meaning “to be curious” or “to want to know,” the project develops high school students’ scientific thinking and research skills through curiosity-driven exploration and mentoring.
The morning program began at Enderun Colleges, the program’s Venue Partner, with opening remarks from Dr. Demetrio P. Salipsip, Jr., President of Enderun Colleges, who shared an insightful message on the importance of curiosity in learning and discovery. Students were then introduced to the program and encouraged to observe, question, and investigate the world beyond what is immediately visible.
Dr. Demetrio P. Salipsip, Jr., President of Enderun Colleges, delivering his opening remarks.
Making Invisible Forces Visible Through Experimentation
Following the opening, students participated in the Forces Science Education Workshop, where they explored how unseen forces influence the movement and behavior of objects.
Student teams showcasing their ideas and outputs during the workshop.
Working in teams, students were challenged to design protective structures to prevent eggs from breaking when dropped. They built their designs, tested them through an egg-drop experiment, and improved their structures based on their observations.
Despite facing the same challenge, teams developed different solutions and creative presentations, demonstrating teamwork, problem-solving, and scientific communication. The activity emphasized how experimentation, evidence, and redesign contribute to scientific discovery.
The morning concluded with a guided campus tour of Enderun Colleges. Before proceeding to the afternoon activity, students also received Soup & Go® products provided by Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation.
Expanding Scientific Curiosity at The Mind Museum
In the afternoon, participants visited The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City, exploring interactive exhibits across different fields of science and technology.
Participants exploring interactive science exhibits at The Mind Museum.
The tour exposed students to scientific concepts beyond the morning workshop, encouraging them to discover new interests and connect science with real-world phenomena. Together, both activities demonstrated how curiosity can lead to investigation, experimentation, and new scientific questions.
Participants and organizers coming together for a group photo following the museum tour.
From Curiosity to Research: The Journey Continues
Following the Kickoff, participating teams will begin their research training through learning modules, thinking activities, and biweekly online mentoring sessions from October 2026 to January 2027. Guided by Leave a Nest Philippines mentors, students will develop research questions, design investigations, and communicate their findings.
The program will culminate in the Final Presentation Day on February 20, 2027, where students will present their research and receive feedback from researchers and professionals.
Through Ki Ni Naru, Leave a Nest Philippines continues its commitment to bridging science and society, empowering young researchers to transform curiosity into meaningful scientific discovery.
The Kickoff may have ended, but their journey of curiosity and discovery has only just begun.