The Laboratory of Plant Structure and Development of the Faculty of Biology UGM has carried out community service activities in the form of socializing the introduction of microscopes and plant anatomical structures, especially the derivatives of the epidermis of stomata and trichomes at Pusmalang Elementary State School, Wukirsari, Cangkringan, Kab. Sleman, D.I. Yogyakarta. This activity was carried out on October 10, 2022 with 21 grade 5 students. This community service activity from this lab is different from the previous year, when previous schools visited the laboratory but this year the laboratory staff made direct visits to schools.
The community service activity team was directly led by the head of the laboratory, Dr. Maryani, M.Sc. with lecturers in the lab which are Dra. Siti Susanti, S.U., Utaminingsih, S.Sc., M.Sc., Novita Yustinadiar, S.Sc., M.Sc., and Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si. The preparation of tools and materials was carried out by laboratory assistants which are Prapti and Via Erti Asdiantika, A.Md. The lab service team was welcomed by Tri Harsono, S.Pd. as the principal of Pusmalang Elementary State School and Utami Saraswati, S.Pd. as the homeroom teacher for Class 5. In his remarks, Tri Harsono, S.Pd. expressed his gratitude for the visit and service activities carried out and hoped that on the next occasion Pusmalang State Elementary School students could visit the Faculty of Biology UGM.
The service activity began with the opening and remarks from the principal of Pusmalang Elementary State School, followed by remarks and introduction from Dr. Maryani, M.Sc. and continued with a brief lecture by Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Sc. The socialization and introduction of the microscope along with the structure of the epidermis derivatives received high enthusiasm from the students. The enthusiasm and joy of students participating in these activities can be seen from the curiosity of students when they see and observe structures that so far cannot be seen with the naked eye. students are given the opportunity to look directly at the microscope regarding the structure of stomata on corn leaves (Zea mays L.), trichomes on durian leaves (Durio zibethinus L.), the cell structure of the inner layer of shallot bulbs (Allium cepa fa ascalonicum) and the flow of cytoplasm from leaves Hydrilla verticillata. All of these samples are commonly found in everyday life and are well known to students, however through a microscope it is hoped that students can see the other side of structures that so far have never been imagined and observed directly. At the end of the session, students were also taught and asked to prepare their own samples to be viewed directly under a microscope.
Dr. Maryani, M.Sc. as the coordinator of this service team at the close of the socialization and introduction activities invited students to study even more actively in pursuit of dreams and aspirations. Students are also asked to continue to have curiosity in order to be enthusiastic in studying. This activity was closed with a group photo of Pusmalang Elementary School students.
