The Community Service Team (Pengmas) of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI), consisting of one lecturer and ten students from the Department of Biology, held a fun science education activity for students of Bojong Koneng 06 State Elementary School, Babakan Madang District, Bogor Regency, West Java, through the Sainskademi program on Monday (11/22/2021).
Carrying the title “Introducing Science from an Early Age”, Sainskademi is designed as a science application learning program with light but still fun methods such as fairy tales and simple science experiments.
The storytelling method is very popular with children and provides many benefits, such as activating intellectual, sensitivity, emotions, art, fantasy, and imagination.
The experimental method can demonstrate scientific processes directly, so that students can visualize the theories being taught.
Dr. Retno Lestari, M.Si., as the team leader, said that the activity was carried out to coincide with limited face-to-face learning at SDN Bojong Koneng 06 and was attended by 50 grade 1 students.
He further explained that the team’s concern over low levels of scientific literacy among students prompted the idea of Sainskademi. He believes current conventional learning methods are contributing to a decline in student interest in learning scientific applications.
“The conventional learning methods currently applied cause students to easily feel bored and tired, resulting in their interest in science being low,” he explained.
He believes that various innovations in science application learning media are currently needed to make science more engaging and enjoyable for students. A proper understanding of science can shape students’ mindsets and train their problem-solving skills.
The students appeared enthusiastic and excited throughout the activity. Some of them even said they would repeat the experiment at home.
This activity was also welcomed by Makdum as the Principal of Bojong Koneng 06 Public Elementary School. “Hopefully programs like this can continue to be implemented at our school,” he said.
Makdum further expressed his hope that this program would foster students’ interest in science, enabling them to become future science pioneers. The program is implemented in collaboration with the Pandu Cendekia Foundation (YPC) and Dongeng Ceria, and is supported by the Directorate of Community Service and Empowerment at the University of Indonesia (DPPM UI).
