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Science teacher's self-efficacy has been at the center of many investigations on students' achievement in science, teacher burnout, and teacher performance. While overly studied, this construct has not been examined with scientific literacy in depth. Thus, this study aims to identify the influence of science teacher's scientific literacy on their science teaching efficacy through a canonical correlation analysis. The study utilized an explanatory-correlational research design to unravel the correlation between scientific literacy and science teaching efficacy. It was found out that scientific literacy was correlated with science teaching efficacy. Further the study revealed that Science, Technology, and Society (STS) and content knowledge in earth science, life science, and health science were positively associated with science teachers' self-efficacy in biology, chemistry, and physics. On the other hand, knowledge in physics and Nature of Science (NOS) were not associated as highlighted in the literature. This suggests that a science teacher's content knowledge in specific sciences predicts their efficacy in teaching science. More so, the teacher's knowledge of how science and technology affect society and how society directs science and technology shapes their confidence to teach science. This implies that practical and observable science allows teachers to demonstrate science concepts to their students effectively.

The health status of marine ecosystems can be fundamentally determined by the abundance and diversity of marine echinoderms. Philippines as part of the Indo-Pacific region is very rich and diverse in echinoderm species. In this study, the echinoderms of the intertidal zone of Goso-on and Vinapor, Carmen, Agusan del Norte were collected and identified. A total of 18 species were identified; five sea stars (Asteroidea), six sea urchins (Echinoidea), and seven sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea). Protoreaster nodosus, Linckia laevigata, and Diadema setosum were found to be abundant based on visual observation. The asteroids and echinoids collected were not yet assessed by the IUCN while the seven sea cucumbers were either least concern or data deficient. It is good to note that Holothuria scabra, an endangered sea cucumber was present in one sampling site. The low diversity, compared to some related studies, might suggest that exploitation is predominant particularly for sea cucumbers, considered a local delicacy. It is recommended that further studies must be conducted to evaluate the population of Holothuria scabra and other marine organisms to further evaluate the health of this marine ecosystem. Efforts must also be increased to further protect and conserve the marine faunal diversity of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spider fauna of Barangay Sinaloc, in El Salvador City was sampled from three cites (A, B and C) to assess the relative abundance, species diversity, evenness and their habitat preferences. A total of 187 individuals were collected from three families and nine genera. Most of the species collected came from the family Araneidae, with the two most dominant species being Araneus inustus L. Koch, 1871 and Gasteracantha clavigera Giebel, 1863. The majority of the collected spiders were from Site C, the least disturbed ecosystem. Overall, the species were variably distributed and with a moderate level of species diversity (H1 = 1.68). Spider species from Araneidae and Theridiidae preferred Site C as its habitat over the two other sites because it offers larger space for web construction in bushes and herbs, and because it is the least disturbed site. Several spider species collected did not show habitat preference because there was no significant difference in their distribution in the three sites sampled. Based on evidence from the collected data, Barangay Sinaloc in El Salvador City can still support spider life and diversity but regular follow-up studies must be conducted to further assess the condition of spider fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinoderms are fundamentally good indicators of health and status of coralline communities in marine waters. In this study, the diversity and distribution of echinoderm species were determined in Babanlagan, Talisayan, Misamis Oriental. In total, 387 individuals were collected coming from classes Echinoidea, Holothuroidea, Asteroidea, and Ophiuroidea. The majority of individuals collected were Protoreaster nodusus, which is a good indicator of reef health while the least abundant echinoderm species was Acanthaster planci. The pattern of distribution of majority of echinoderms was a clumped distribution while the other groups followed regular/uniform distribution, which may be due to limited dispersal ability and availability and available food sources. Moderate species diversity was also observed and species were rather similar in abundance, shown by the evenness index. This suggests good marine health, even under the threat of gleaning activities, active fishing, and habitat destruction. It is recommended that follow-up studies are conducted especially regarding monitoring of echinoderm species, to further assess the health of the intertidal zone in Babanlagan, Talisayan, Misamis Oriental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]