UPM Chemistry Department Initiative: Creating A Generation Of Science Interest

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UPM Chemistry Department Initiative: Creating a Generation of Science Interest

Kajang, 22 November 2024 – The Department of Chemistry, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) today conducted a site visit for the "Sustainable Chemistry to Schools @KUSeS" (PRO-KL@KUSes) programme. This programme is planned as a strategic step to foster interest among school students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), in line with the government's aspiration to increase student enrolment in this field.

The PRO-KL@KUSes programme is designed to address the issue of declining student enrolment in the STEM stream in Malaysia, which is still far from the national target of 60%. Through collaboration between Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), the Malaysian Chemistry Department (KIMIA), secondary education institutions, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and research agencies, this programme will offer an interactive, fun and meaningful learning experience to school students.

Main Activities of the PRO-KL@KUSes Program

This program includes various interesting activities aimed at providing students with hands-on learning experiences, including:

Healthy Aerobics: A starter activity to promote the physical health of participants.

Polymers Clean-Up with Generasi Peduli Sampah Malaysia: A cooperative activity to collect plastic while learning about types of polymers and proper waste management.

Recover Microplastic Challenge, EcoBrick: A laboratory experiment to identify microplastics in samples and introduce the concept of recycling through the manufacture of EcoBrick.

Forensic Science Exhibition: A demonstration of scientific techniques such as sample analysis related to forensic science.

Glass2Sand Exhibition: An educational activity that displays the technology of recycling glass into sand.

DNA Demonstration: Students are given the opportunity to extract DNA from certain materials with expert guidance.

All of these activities are designed to provide students with practical exposure to STEM concepts while instilling important values â€‹â€‹of environmental sustainability.

This program will involve close collaboration between various parties:

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): The Faculty of Science contributes expertise through researchers and academics including Dr. Mohd Rashidi Abdull Manap as Project Leader, assisted by the Science Foundation Centre, Faculty of Education and Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology.

SMK Kajang Utama: Teachers such as Puan Rosnah Binti Othman and Mohamad Rafinizam Bin Arpin led the effort to involve students in sustainability activities.

Department of Chemistry Malaysia (KIMIA): Experts such as Pn Hazwani Binti Hapiz and Yusoff Bin Mengu delivered hands-on activities.

MARDI: Technical support was provided by researchers such as Ts. Dr. Mohd Azwan Bin Jaafar.

Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)-Generasi Peduli Sampah: Representatives such as Datin Norelan Ismail will help coordinate the Polymers Clean Up activities.

With a combination of academic, industry and community expertise, this programme is hoped to be an effective platform to attract the younger generation's interest in science and foster awareness of environmental sustainability.