FMIPA UI Increases Biodiversity Awareness of Students at Al Muhajirin Islamic Boarding School, Purwakarta

In learning biodiversity, students must obtain a balance between theory and practice. This means that in addition to receiving theoretical learning materials, students also need to be invited to conduct direct observations in the environment around the school or their place of residence. This observation practice activity is important so that understanding biodiversity can fully touch on real behavior to preserve it.

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

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

This activity is divided into 3 groups based on education level, namely Elementary School, Middle School, and High School. These three groups are then given activities that have been adjusted to the needs analysis at each level of education.

For example, for high school students, according to Afi, high school students need more training in writing good scientific papers, so that they can be included in scientific paper competitions such as the Indonesian Student Research Olympiad (OPSI). So he and his team provided material on the structure of scientific writing and tips for avoiding plagiarism to teachers and students.

"In addition to writing scientific papers, high school students are also invited to get to know campus life as preparation for facing college after graduating from high school," said Afi.

Meanwhile, for junior high school students, the activities provided include getting to know the diversity of microorganisms around them through simple observations using the method Science Kit. Observations were carried out using microscopes and preserved specimens of various types of microorganisms. Through this activity, it is hoped that junior high school students will gain knowledge and ideas on how to utilize these microorganisms. Through direct observation, students can become familiar with microorganisms that can be processed for food purposes, such as tempeh mold (Rhizopus orizae), and algae which are the raw materials for agar-agar (Eucheuma spinosum).

Finally, elementary school students need hands-on experience to explore the ecosystem around their school based on its biotic and abiotic parameters, using binoculars and water quality measuring tools, so that they can learn to 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
in order to maintain the balance of nature."

The Head of Al-Muhajirin Islamic Boarding School Purwakarta, K.H. Dr. Abun Bunyamin, M.A. gave his appreciation to the FMIPA UI team for organizing this activity. In his speech, 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 humans.

"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 also hopes that the collaboration between FMIPA UI and schools under the management of the Al-Muhajirin foundation will continue through other educational activities. He considered this activity to be able to motivate students and teachers in improving science and technology.

"With this community service activity, hopefully the students and teachers at this Islamic boarding school will be more enthusiastic in improving their knowledge and technology throughout their lives," he continued.

News source : https://sci.ui.ac.id/