Five undergraduate students from the Geology Study Program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (UI), who are members of the Student Creativity Program-Community Service (PKM-M), along with several volunteers, conducted a disaster management education session for elementary school students in Cibunar 1 and 2, Sukabumi. The event lasted four days for each school, from April 29 to May 3, 2019.
The core educational activities include learning disaster theory in class, disaster simulations through simple games and singing, installing evacuation routes and disaster management posters in schools, and making a model of an erupting volcano.
Disaster management education was designed by Geology students, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, namely: Algio Tantomo, Adam Azhariansyah, Albar Karismawan, Muhammad Alzaid Ponka, and Reinof Razzaqi Yusya, under the guidance of a Lecturer in the Geology and Geophysics Study Program, UI, Dr. Eng. Supriyanto, M.Sc.
‘This educational activity was carried out to prepare the younger generation to be ready and resilient to disasters in their surroundings,’ said one of the team members, Alza, in a written statement on 13 July 2019. In addition, Alza continued, the activity emphasised creative and active learning and the importance of appreciation in the school environment.
Dr. Eng. Supriyanto, M.Sc., a lecturer and supervisor, explained that the initial educational activity included learning basic concepts about earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The goal was to help students understand the concepts presented in a way that was appropriate for their age. A disaster simulation training was then conducted.
In the disaster simulation, students were taught how to protect themselves, such as protecting their heads, taking cover under tables, and so on. The training also included songs and a role-playing game called “Disaster Tale.” The game demonstrated procedures for managing volcanic eruptions through disaster-prone zones.
The focus on creative and active learning is a key feature of this activity. Creative learning involves student groups creating a model of an erupting volcano using recycled newspapers.
Afterward, the crafts were exhibited in the schoolyard and evaluated by their teachers. During the exhibition, an active learning session was held, asharing sessionand discussion between students and teachers. This session encouraged students to recount the knowledge they gained during the educational activities to their teachers. Finally, the winner of the best volcano model group was determined as a demonstration of the importance of appreciating the students’ maximum effort.
In the closing session, the school was determined pilot project to each school as motivation for them and other schools to implement disaster management education. Furthermore, Supriyanto and his students plan to provide disaster education guidebooks and three-dimensional disaster books to each school and the Sukabumi Education Office.
One of the agendas for determining the school pilot project This is to provide short training to teachers on how to use the guidebook and deliver disaster material in class after this activity is completed.
The Student Creativity Program (PKM-M) Geology FMIPA UI team hopes that this activity can be implemented sustainably by schools in Sukabumi. To that end, the team has included an evaluation form in the guidebook, which schools must complete each semester. This is the team’s effort to monitor and ensure the success of this educational program.
