Learning Chemistry Directly Through Hands-On Practicum: UNAIR Chemistry Booth Attracts Attention at AEE 2026
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, UNAIR – The Airlangga Education Expo (AEE) 2026 served as a strategic platform for prospective students to gain a closer understanding of Universitas Airlangga. Held on 23–25 January 2026 at the Airlangga Convention Center (ACC), MERR-C Campus, the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) UNAIR, took part by presenting an educational and interactive booth that attracted the attention of hundreds of senior high school students from various regions.
In line with the spirit of AEE as an information gateway to higher education, the booth of the Department of Chemistry, Universitas Airlangga, was designed not only as a center for academic information but also as a space for providing an initial experiential introduction to applied chemistry. Through a communicative and visual approach, visitors were invited to gain direct insights into the academic learning environment, areas of chemical science, and the career prospects of graduates from the Chemistry program at Universitas Airlangga.
Chemistry Education Through Simple Practicum
One of the main attractions of the Department of Chemistry booth was a simple practicum demonstration involving a redox reaction using copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄) solution and iron metal. This practicum provided visitors with a tangible illustration of basic experiments studied in chemistry courses, while simultaneously fostering students’ curiosity about scientific processes conducted in laboratory settings.
In addition to the practicum activities, the booth also showcased various laboratory equipment, such as beakers, hot plates, and laboratory coats, which helped to reinforce the distinctive academic atmosphere of chemistry students. Supporting media in the form of departmental brochures were also provided as additional information resources for prospective students.
Introducing the Chemistry Study Program and Future Opportunities
Visitors to the booth, who were predominantly high school students, generally took advantage of this opportunity to engage in direct discussions with booth representatives regarding the Chemistry Study Program at Universitas Airlangga. The information delivered covered university admission pathways, curriculum structure, the five specialization areas in Chemistry, faculty profiles, as well as career prospects for Chemistry graduates across various sectors, including industry, research, and education.
The most frequently raised questions concerned academic activities in the Chemistry program, career prospects after graduation, and university admission pathways, particularly the Golden Ticket scheme and the National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP). This enthusiasm reflects the high level of interest among prospective students in basic sciences that are applicative and relevant to future demands.
Supporting AEE as a Forum for Academic Dialogue
The participation of the Department of Chemistry, Universitas Airlangga, in AEE 2026 reinforces the role of faculties and study programs as strategic partners of the university in providing transparent and credible access to information for prospective students. Through direct interaction at the booth, visitors gained not only an academic overview but also an inspiring initial experience prior to making their study choices.
With an educational, interactive, and communicative approach, the booth of the Department of Chemistry, Universitas Airlangga, at AEE 2026 is expected to serve as an initial bridge for the emergence of future Airlangga Knights in the field of chemistry who are ready to contribute to the development of science and technology.
