On Thursday, February 15th, 2024, children from the Deresan State Elementary School (SDN) had the special opportunity to explore the world of science through an inspiring visit to the Animal Structure and Development laboratory Faculty of Biology UGM. This visit aims to provide a deeper understanding of the science concepts they learn in class and inspire their interest in science. A total of 58 grade IV children from SDN Deresan accompanied by 2 homeroom teachers and 4 accompanying teachers were received at the Faculty of Biology UGM by the Faculty Reception Team and welcomed by the Head of the SPH Lab, Dr. Ardaning Nuruliani, M. Kes. These children were then divided into 2 groups and invited to the SPH lab, Animal Histology & Embryology Section and Animal Anatomy Section. All SPH Lab lecturers, along with Master and Bachelor study program students who are conducting research at the SPH Lab, also welcomed the students.
In the SPH Lab, Animal Histology & Embryology Section, students are introduced to microscopes and how to use them. Apart from that, they observed the Diffusion process, a colorful microscopic preparation. Meanwhile, in the SPH Lab, Animal Anatomy Section, students were invited to observe skeletal preparations, internal organs, and several anatomical preparations. Children show extraordinary enthusiasm and deep curiosity while learning in the laboratory. The visit also included a question-and-answer session, where the children were given the opportunity to ask questions about science topics of interest to them to the Master and Bachelor students doing research in the SPH lab. Intelligent and creative questions poured in, reflecting the growing interest in science among the younger generation.
According to Mr. Paino, A. Ma (Class IVA Homeroom Teacher) and Mr. Danang Nor Wicaksana, S.Pd. (Class IVB Homeroom Teacher), this visit is part of the SDN Deresan efforts to provide diverse and in-depth learning experiences for their students. The students ended their visit with bright smiles on their faces and a deep feeling of inspiration. “I want to be a scientist someday!”; “I want to study here” and “I want to study at UGM,” chattered the fourth-grade students with sparkling eyes. Such hopes may seem far away, but with visits like this, the possibility feels closer.
This activity for admitting elementary school students to explore our laboratory is part of the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goal no. 4 Quality Education, goal no. 5 Gender equality, and goal no. 17 concerning Cooperation.