The Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of IPB University, in collaboration with the Musyawarah Guru Mata Pelajaran (MGMP) Physics of Islamic High Schools (MA) National, held a Joint Physics Laboratory Training online. The event was attended by about 300 MA teachers, both public and private, from all over Indonesia, from Aceh to Sorong, West Papua.

Director of Teachers and Educational Personnel (GTK) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr Muhammad Zain, appreciated the activity as a means of intellectual development for teachers. Through sharing information and insights in the field of physics, it is hoped that it can improve science literacy and numeracy for the Muslim community and the Indonesian nation.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Department of Physics of IPB University, Prof Tony Sumaryada, emphasized the importance of teacher creativity in designing experiments using everyday items and equipment, including the use of online simulations.

“On the first day, demonstrations and explanations of various laboratory materials were presented by utilizing items and equipment that are available in our daily lives. IPB University Physics Department lecturers presented materials such as kinematics on an inclined plane, vibrations, and mathematical pendulums (lato-lato). On the same day, the material of sharpening physics concepts using the help of online simulations was also carried out,” said Prof Tony.

Furthermore, on the second day, materials related to data processing, analysis, and interpretation of laboratory experiments using data processing tools (excel) were presented, as well as explanations related to assignments for teachers.

“We appreciate the holding of the Joint Physics Laboratory Training of the Department of Physics of IPB University. This activity can improve the competence and creativity of teachers in learning activities in the classroom. Hopefully, this activity will be carried out regularly on an ongoing basis,” said Gugun Gunardi, MPFis, as the Head of MGMP Physics MA National.

The Head of the IPB University Basic Physics Laboratory, Dr Heriyanto Syafutra, also expressed his gratitude for the participation of all parties in the success of the event. “We hope that this event can improve the competence and creativity of teachers in designing and designing better learning,” he said.