In biodiversity education, students must balance theory and practice. This means that in addition to theoretical learning, students should also be encouraged to conduct direct observations in the school environment or their homes. These practical observations are crucial to fully understand biodiversity and translate it into concrete actions to conserve it.

To provide an interesting experience of theory and practice in learning biodiversity, the FMIPA UI community service (Pengmas) team consisting of lecturers and educational staff from the Department of Biology was present at the Al-Muhajirin Islamic Boarding School (Ponpes), Purwakarta, on Monday (14/8/2023).

There, the community service team led by Afiatry Putrika, M.Si., in collaboration with partners the Pandu Cendikia Foundation and Bluebird Group, provided comprehensive in-depth study of life sciences for students of the Al-Muhajirin Islamic Boarding School, in order to increase students’ awareness of biodiversity in their environment, through exploration of the surrounding environment, introduction to microorganisms, and training in writing scientific papers.

This activity is divided into three groups based on education level: elementary, middle, and high school. These three groups are then given activities tailored to the needs analysis at each level.

For example, according to Afi, high school students need more training in writing good scientific papers so they can participate in scientific writing competitions like the Indonesian Student Research Olympiad (OPSI). Therefore, he and his team provide teachers and students with materials on scientific writing structure and tips for avoiding plagiarism.

“In addition to writing scientific papers, high school students are also encouraged to learn about campus life to prepare them for college after graduating from high school,” said Afi.

Meanwhile, for junior high school students, the activities provided are to learn about the diversity of microorganisms around them through simple observations using the method Science Kit. Observations were conducted using microscopes and preserved slides of several types of microorganisms. This activity is expected to provide junior high school students with knowledge and ideas for utilizing these microorganisms. Through these observations, students can directly identify microorganisms that have benefits for processing into food products, such as tempeh mold (Rhizopus orizae), and algae which are the raw materials for agar-agar (Eucheuma spinosum).

Finally, elementary school students need experience in learning about the ecosystem around the school based on its biotic and abiotic parameters using binoculars and water quality measuring tools, so that they can maintain the cleanliness and balance of the ecosystem from an early age.

Head of the Department of Biology, FMIPA UI, Anom Bowolaksono, Ph.D. said”The Department of Biology, FMIPA UI, through its quality Tridharma activities and relevant, always developing and disseminating knowledge knowledge and technology to the wider community, especially students elementary and secondary schools which are the future generation, as efforts to increase their knowledge of life sciences and foster their love for the environment from an early age. So that in the future future generations can manage nature wisely and sustainably for the sake of maintaining the balance of nature.”

The head of the Al-Muhajirin Islamic Boarding School in Purwakarta, K.H. Dr. Abun Bunyamin, M.A., expressed his appreciation to the FMIPA UI team for organizing this activity. In his remarks, he also conveyed the importance of science for life, especially in the field of biology. According to him, science is a knowledge that contains signs of the greatness of Allah SWT, which provides many benefits for the survival of humanity.

“Studying science is very important, especially biology. Without understanding science, how can we possibly understand this vast universe to see the greatness of Allah SWT,” he said.

Furthermore, he hopes the collaboration between the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, and schools managed by the Al-Muhajirin Foundation will continue through other educational activities. He believes these activities can motivate students and teachers to improve their knowledge of science and technology.

“With this community service activity, we hope that the students and teachers at this Islamic boarding school will be even more enthusiastic about improving their knowledge and technology throughout their lives,” he continued.