The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), once again brought chemistry closer to everyday life through a community service program (Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat / Pengmas) at SMP Islam Kampak, Trenggalek Regency.

Held at SMP Islam Kampak, located within the Nailul Ulum Islamic Boarding School complex in Bendoagung Village, Kampak District, the program provided a collaborative space for the academic community of the Department of Chemistry, UNAIR, and the school’s students and teachers to explore chemistry through a contextual, exploratory, and engaging approach. The activity took place from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. WIB.

The program began with an opening session led by the Principal of SMP Islam Kampak, followed by the signing of a cooperation agreement. Students then participated in a learning session entitled “Chemistry in Everyday Life,” delivered by Prof. Dr. Alfinda Novi Kristanti, DEA. Through this topic, chemistry was introduced not merely as a collection of formulas and concepts, but as a science that is present and can be observed in various aspects of everyday life.

Equally engaging, students were also invited to explore the potential of local biodiversity through a session entitled “Exploring the Potential of Medicinal Plants in Kampak, Trenggalek Regency,” delivered by Prof. Dr. Nanik Siti Aminah, M.Si. The session broadened students’ perspectives on how plants found in their surroundings can become part of scientific learning and chemical research.

Following the classroom sessions, the program became even more interactive through a laboratory activity entitled “Fun Chemistry” for students, guided by Prof. Dr. Hery Suwito, M.Si. The hands-on laboratory experience gave students the opportunity to explore chemistry through experiments, allowing them to experience the concepts they had learned in a more tangible way.

The teachers of SMP Islam Kampak also received additional training through a laboratory session on “Phytochemical Screening,” delivered by Rico Ramadhan, S.Si., M.P., Ph.D. This activity was part of an effort to broaden teachers’ understanding of the application of chemical methods and concepts in the exploration of natural materials.

The program continued with a discussion and evaluation session to reflect on the activities that had taken place. The entire Pengmas program concluded at 12:00 p.m. Through this initiative, the Department of Chemistry, FST UNAIR, reaffirmed its commitment to bringing chemistry closer to the community. Learning through everyday phenomena, exploring medicinal plants, and conducting fun chemistry experiments served as ways to foster students’ curiosity while strengthening teachers’ capacity to introduce chemistry in a more practical and applicable manner.

The Pengmas program at SMP Islam Kampak also marked an important opportunity for Chemistry UNAIR to strengthen its engagement with educational institutions in the region while encouraging more active, contextual, and engaging science learning for the younger generation.