The Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) IPB University received a special visit from 23 students of Sekolah Alam Cendekia. The visit was attended by several IPB University Physics lecturers, accompanying teachers namely Galang and Tami, and parents of students. This activity aims to introduce students to physics through an interactive and fun approach.

The event was opened by the Secretary of the Department of Physics IPB University, Dr. Yessie Widya Sari who gave a warm welcome to the students and their assistants. Next, Dr. Hendradi Hardhienata gave a public lecture on the rotation and revolution of the earth and its impact on everyday life.

In his material, Dr. Hendradi explained the importance of studying the universe so that we can know God through physics. He also explained the solar system simulation that shows the differences and similarities of celestial objects, as well as the impacts of the rotation and revolution of the earth, such as the occurrence of day and night, the calendar system, sea tides, and changes in seasons.

The students enthusiastically participated in the session and asked interesting questions about the topic. Mikail, one of the students, asked why the phases of the moon are different. “This is caused by the rotation of the moon and the relative position of the earth, moon, and sun,” explained Dr. Hendradi in response to a question. Another student, Asia, was curious about why the earth is round, which was explained as a result of gravitational pressure.

After the public lecture, the activity continued with a Science Expo that displayed various scientific works by IPB University Physics students. This expo featured, among others:

• Thermoelectric Generator, a device that converts temperature differences into electrical energy.
• Newtonian Fluid Demonstration, showing the properties of fluids where the shear stress is directly proportional to the velocity gradient.
• A height measuring device based on ultrasonic sensors and Arduino microcontrollers, the work of Physics students
• A wheeled robot that can be controlled by a cellphone, a technological innovation developed by Physics students.

The students were invited to try out the tools directly, giving them a very interactive learning experience. Galang, one of the accompanying teachers, gave a positive response to this activity. “The lectures are generally interesting and easy to understand. The expo is very interactive, students can try out the tools on display themselves, in accordance with the learning concept at Sekolah Alam. The best way to learn is by trying it yourself,” he said.

This visit not only provided new insights for students, but also built their curiosity about natural sciences, especially physics. Direct experience through experiments and simulations makes learning more real and enjoyable, in accordance with the educational goals carried by Sekolah Alam Cendekia.

With this activity, it is hoped that students will be more interested in studying physics and science in general, and understand how important physics is for studying natural phenomena that occur in everyday life. (*/Rz)