The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), once again brought chemistry learning closer to everyday life through a Community Service (Pengmas) activity at SMP Islam Kampak, Trenggalek Regency.
The activity took place at SMP Islam Kampak, located in the Nailul Ulum Islamic Boarding School Complex, Bendoagung Village, Kampak District. It provided a collaborative space for members of the UNAIR Department of Chemistry academic community, students, and teachers to explore chemistry through a contextual, exploratory, and engaging approach. The activity was held from 08:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB).
The program began with an opening session led by the Principal of SMP Islam Kampak, followed by the signing of a cooperation agreement. Students then took part in a learning session themed “Chemistry in Everyday Life,” delivered by Prof. Dr. Alfinda Novi Kristanti, DEA. Through this topic, chemistry was introduced not merely as a collection of formulas and concepts, but as a science that is present and can be observed in various aspects of daily life.
Equally engaging, students were also invited to explore the potential of local biodiversity through a session titled “Exploring the Potential of Medicinal Plants in Kampak, Trenggalek Regency,” delivered by Prof. Dr. Nanik Siti Aminah, M.Si. This session broadened students’ understanding of how plants found in their surroundings can become part of chemistry learning and scientific study.
Following the classroom sessions, the activity became even more interactive with a laboratory session titled “Fun Chemistry,” led by Prof. Dr. Hery Suwito, M.Si. Hands-on laboratory practice gave students the opportunity to explore chemistry through experiments, allowing them to experience the concepts they had learned more directly.
The teachers of SMP Islam Kampak also received further enrichment through a laboratory activity on “Phytochemical Screening,” delivered by Rico Ramadhan, S.Si., M.P., Ph.D. This activity was part of an effort to broaden teachers’ knowledge of the application of chemical methods and concepts in the exploration of natural materials.
The program continued with a discussion and evaluation session to reflect on the activities that had taken place. The entire Community Service program concluded at 12:00 p.m. Through this initiative, the Department of Chemistry, FST UNAIR, demonstrated its commitment to bringing chemistry closer to the community. Learning through everyday phenomena, exploring medicinal plants, and conducting fun chemistry experiments served as ways to foster students’ curiosity while strengthening teachers’ capacity to introduce chemistry in a more applied manner.
The Community Service activity at SMP Islam Kampak also marked an opportunity for UNAIR Chemistry to strengthen its relationship with local educational institutions and encourage more active, contextual, and engaging science learning for the younger generation.
