On October 8, 2024, the Physics Department of Gadjah Mada University (UGM) welcomed students from SMA Negeri 2 Bantul in Meeting Room 1 of the Physics Department. The group of students and accompanying teachers were greeted by several lecturers from the department, including Dr. Eng. Ahmad Kusumaatmaja, S.Si., M.Sc., Head of the Undergraduate Physics Study Program, Muhammad Arifin, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Functional Material Physics Research Group, and Idham Syah Alam, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.
The event began with a welcoming speech from Mr. Ahmad, who introduced the profile of the Physics Study Program and encouraged the students to keep learning and innovating in science, particularly in physics. This was followed by a presentation from Mr. Arifin about ongoing research in functional materials and their applications in future technologies. Meanwhile, Mr Idham discussed the fundamental role of physics in various experiments and scientific understanding in the laboratory.
After the welcoming session and a brief discussion, the students were invited to tour the laboratories in the Physics Department. They visited the Basic Physics Laboratory, where they observed equipment for basic experiments such as measuring force, energy, and electrical phenomena. The Senior Assistant of the Basic Physics Lab provided direct explanations of the experiments conducted there and opportunities for students to interact with some of the equipment.
In addition, the students also visited the Material Physics and Instrumentation Laboratory, where Mr. Arifin explained the ongoing research related to the development of functional materials and how these materials can be applied in everyday life. The students were visibly enthusiastic when learning about the development of graphene and electrospinning and their applications in modern technology.
This visit is expected to provide new insights for SMA Negeri 2 Bantul students into the world of physics, particularly its application in materials and instrumentation. Moreover, the event aims to inspire students to continue their education in science and technology, especially at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at UGM.
The UGM Physics Department is very open to such visits to introduce higher education to younger generations and encourage them to explore knowledge further. Through this visit, the UGM Physics Department promotes quality education and introduces students to their potential contributions to future innovations and sustainable development. This visit is hoped to be a valuable experience for all students and teachers from SMA Negeri 2 Bantul.
Author : Ahmad Fathan
Photo : Ahmad Fathan