The activity involved training sessions on environmental and computational chemistry concepts for 30 students from SMAN 1 Tasikmalaya and 30 chemistry teachers from the Subject Teacher Forum (MGMP Kimia) across Tasikmalaya City. The objective was to enhance understanding and learning in chemical sciences through software-based experiments and measurements of water hardness quality in the school's surrounding environment.

A primary focus was to introduce chemistry's contributions to evaluating water quality and visualizing chemical structures through digital applications. Through this training, students were instructed on measurement techniques, data analysis, and drawing conclusions regarding water hardness in the school environment. In the computational chemistry session, students utilized Avogadro software to comprehend the physical structure of molecules and predict bonding parameters digitally. These modules are anticipated to enrich chemistry learning in schools and serve as a replicable model for other educational institutions.

Furthermore, the activity aimed to improve digital literacy and the utilization of free applications in chemistry education, particularly to introduce more interactive molecular visualization. Chemistry MGMP teachers were also equipped with chemical analysis concepts and simplified computational modules applicable in classroom instruction.

Dr. Ria Sri Rahayu, M.Si., an alumna of SMAN 1 Tasikmalaya and a lecturer in the Analytical Chemistry Research Group at FMIPA ITB, was a featured guest. She expressed her delight in returning to her alma mater to share knowledge, emphasizing the importance of fostering communication between schools and higher education institutions to update scientific insights and introduce ITB as an option for advanced studies for students in Tasikmalaya.

Additionally, students received laboratory safety training. The material covered proper laboratory attire, evacuation plans, identification of hazardous chemicals, safe handling and storage procedures, and emergency actions in case of exposure. Dr. Nurrahmi Handayani, M.Si., a speaker and Analytical Chemistry lecturer at FMIPA ITB, stated that instilling a safety culture from an early age is crucial for developing positive habits that extend to higher education and industrial settings.

Prof. Ir. Muhammad Ali Zulfikar, M.Si., Ph.D., IPP., Head of the Analytical Chemistry Research Group at FMIPA ITB and the activity's lead, stated that this initiative represents the Chemistry Study Program's contribution to introducing the practical benefits of chemistry in daily life. This includes environmental quality monitoring, the application of chemical digitalization, and early chemistry literacy. He also expressed hope that the activity would attract students' interest in pursuing chemistry, especially at ITB.

Dr. Muhammad Yudhistira Azis, M.Si., an Analytical Chemistry lecturer at FMIPA ITB and Head of the Indonesian Chemical Society (HKI) West Java-Banten Branch, was also present as a speaker and the Chief Executive of the activity. He commended the activity as a tangible step in increasing interest in science among high school students, which has recently shown a decline. According to him, chemistry education is not sufficient through theory alone but must be supported by digital-based applied practice that provides a real impact on society. He also emphasized the importance of analytical skills trained from an early age as preparation for students to face challenges in the industrial world.

This activity is expected to be sustainable and serve as a bridge of communication among universities, secondary schools, and education authorities in the effort to develop chemistry science education in West Java, particularly Tasikmalaya City.

The activity video can be accessed at this YouTube .

Penulis: Muhammad Yudhistira Azis
Editor: Ria Sri Rahayu
Translator: Atika Widya Nurfaizah (Postharvest Technology, 2021)