The end product of various geological processes is rock. Rocks can also provide information about the Earth’s past formation. Therefore, rocks are the primary object of study in geology.
Indonesia is a country formed by the collision of several major global plates. This gives Indonesia a diverse range of natural resources, while also harboring potential geological hazards.
The community service team (pengmas) from the Geology Study Program (Prodi) FMIPA UI, chaired by Rezky Aditiyo, M.T., revealed that although understanding about the earth has been taught in schools and is included in the geography subject, it still requires a more interesting approach so that understanding can be better absorbed by students.
Therefore, as an effort to introduce minerals and various types of rocks to high school students, the team held an educational and interactive rock introduction activity through “Yes” or “No” Question. This activity was carried out in the rock garden in the Parangtopo natural laboratory, FMIPA UI, Depok, on Monday, November 27, 2023, involving 25 students of class XI of SMA Negeri 1, Depok City, West Java.
“This activity aims to provide a fun and interactive learning experience about rocks and the processes that form them. We want to change the public’s perspective on geology. By combining games and educational approaches in the laboratory, we hope students and the public can better understand the fascinating world of rocks and minerals,” said Rezky.
The concept of this game is that the team provides a carpet measuring 9 m.2 The surface is printed with a guide panel to help participants identify the rocks. Participants are divided into 6 groups, each consisting of 6 to 7 members.
Each group of participants was given a rock sample without being told the name of the rock, then the participants positioned themselves on the panel. start. They were then asked to answer questions about the rocks listed on the panels on the carpet. The questions in the panels were about the characteristics of the rocks, and participants were allowed to answer only one word, “yes” or “no,” depending on whether the rock they were holding matched the description listed on the panel or not.
If a participant answers correctly, they will be directed to the next panel by following the “yes” or “no” arrows until they find the name of the rock. If they answer incorrectly, they will be eliminated and replaced by another team.
“The key to success in this game is understanding the macroscopic characteristics of rocks well,” said Rezky.
The rocks introduced are common and unique in their formation. The main rocks are igneous rocks such as basalt, gabbro, granite, and pumice. Furthermore, various rocks with economic benefits, such as coal and various valuable minerals, will be introduced.
The Parangtopo Laboratory at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, not only introduces common rock types but also focuses on specialized rocks, such as igneous and economically valuable rocks, including coal and other valuable minerals. This way, students not only gain basic knowledge but also understand the relevance of geology in everyday life and its applications in the economic sector.
Laboratory visitors can engage in hands-on exploration and learn through a variety of practical experiments designed to enhance their understanding. It is hoped that these activities will further integrate earth science into schools and enhance public understanding of geology.
“The engaging and innovative geology learning at the UI Parangtopo Laboratory is a positive step in stimulating students’ interest in earth sciences, while also increasing public awareness of potential geological hazards and the diversity of natural resources in Indonesia,” he said.
