Inspirational Visit of Al Islam 1 Junior High School Surakarta to Science Education FMIPA UNY

On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, Science Education FMIPA UNY had a special guest from Al Islam 1 Junior High School Surakarta. The visit took place from 09.00 to 12.00 in the Astronomy Lab of FMIPA UNY, with the aim of strengthening the relationship between middle and high school education and providing greater insight to students. The visit was attended by 9 teachers and 140 students from grades 7, 8, and 9 of Al Islam 1 Junior High School Surakarta. They were welcomed by the Head of Science Laboratory Dr. Maryati, S.Si., M.Si., representatives of lecturers, students, and education staff, who were ready to provide valuable experiences to the visitors. The activity was opened by Dr. Maryati, who expressed her welcome to the group from SMP Al Islam 1 Surakarta. The guests were warmly received and then welcomed by Mrs. Laikoh as the school representative, who expressed her appreciation for this opportunity. This was followed by an exchange of mementos between the two parties as a sign of friendship. In addition, the students were also given an in-depth understanding of the world of college, information about scholarships, and socialization about science education. The event also featured interesting "fun science" sessions and practical demonstrations of two activities, namely on Acid-Base and Archimedes' Law. This aims to provide a more concrete and fun understanding of natural science. This activity is not just another visit, but also an effort to build a strong bridge between higher education and high school. By presenting first-hand experiences from an academic environment, it is hoped that students can be more motivated and ready to face future challenges. This visit is a clear proof of the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, which will ultimately bring great benefits to the development of education in Indonesia.