In September 2022, HMD Fisika UI (Himpunan Mahasiswa Departemen Fisika UI) carried out community service at Rumah Singgah Anak Yatim Dhuafa HOME Depok.
This activity aims to foster a sense of curiosity towards science in elementary school age children. In management, Rumah Singgah Ramah Anak Yatim Dhuafa HOME Depok is a program under the non-profit organization Human Initiative Indonesia. Basically, HOME is an alternative caregiver house in which it seeks to fulfill the rights and protection of children integrated with other programs.
PHOTON activities are held every Sunday in September. The first day of activities (04/09), that is making poster of dream and also mentoring that began with the opening and remarks from The Project Officer PHOTON and HOME Depok. As a team leader of PHOTON 2022, Vira said science is very close to us.
“...science is very close to us. Even though we are not in the scope of science, it turns out that many things are related to science. Well, we want to introduce you that science is exciting and fun” said Vira in her speech.
Home Depok Project Officer, Kak Indah Karunia also thanked the UI Physics Student for choosing HOME Depok as a place of community service and spreading science that could be useful for children.
The activities of making posters of dream and mentoring were accompanied by a mentor (UI Physics Students) in each group. With the aim of getting closer to the children of the activity participants, knowing whether children in elementary school age already have dreams that they want to achieve, and instilling the thought that dreams or life goals is important.
On the second day of activities (11/09), the activities carried out were science literacy. In science literacy, the books read are the basics of physics such as what is earth, water, fire, energy and others. The essence of this literacy activity is expected to increase literacy interest on children of the activity. At the same time to instill the thought that science is very close to us and pleasant to study.
Activities on the third day (18/09) is an experiment. The experiments carried out were simple physics experiments. The equipment used can also be found everyday, making it easy to do. This experiment aims to learn science in an easy and fun way. Basically, children prefer activities that are applied and interesting than theoretical learning. So that the science presented is more easily accepted.
The activity on the fourth or last day (25/09) is crafting. This activity is carried out as a form of application of Science Learning. This activity uses a mini solar car, solar car designed in small size and easy to assemble. Solar Car is a solar-powered car. The children was accompanied by their mentors. In this activity, it was also explained how the solar car works so that it can run only by using sunlight. Of course, it increases the knowledge of younger siblings and is also more effective in applying science.
The last day of activities was closed by giving certificates, stationery, and scientific literacy books to HOME Depok given by Field Supervisor, Mr. Surya Darma, S.Si, M.Sc to the Home Depok. Mr. Surya also said that he was very grateful to HOME Depok for accepting students to do community service, as well as giving advice and encouragement to children in learning, especially studying science.
The HOME Children also gave impressions and messages to the UI Physics Students, that they felt very happy because they could learn new knowledge and doing fun experiments.
Writer: Dhissa Ashila Rosmalia, Vira Rahmawati
