There is a common perception that learning science is difficult and suited only to academically gifted students. In fact, science learning does not have to rely solely on textbook theory, but can be introduced through hands-on experiments. A team of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) students participating in the Community Service Program (KKN-PPM), Gumilang Gunem Unit, organized a Water Rocket Festival in Demaan Village, Rembang Regency, Central Java, on Sunday (Feb. 1).
The event, attended by students of SD Negeri Demaan, aimed to present science in a contextual manner by introducing simulations of volcanic eruptions and rocket technology.
The festival showcased the beauty of science through play-based activities. Demaan Village Coordinator of the KKN-PPM Gumilang Gunem Team, Ananda Shabrina Putri Gunawan, said the festival was designed to challenge the perception of science as a rigid subject.
“We want students to experience the process by trying, making mistakes, and trying again. That is where curiosity begins,” she said in a statement released on Wednesday (Feb. 4).
She recalled that in one corner of the classroom, a volcanic eruption simulation drew lively reactions. The team demonstrated the experiment using a plastic bottle placed in a basin, into which colored liquid was slowly poured. When the chemical reaction occurred and the foam burst out, it was met with cheers, laughter, and spontaneous questions from the participants.
“They were eager to ask why it overflowed, why it stopped quickly, and what would happen if the proportions were changed,” she explained.
Furthermore, Ananda encouraged the team to allow students to experiment freely. According to her, mistakes should not be corrected immediately; they should be used as an entry point for discussion. This learning approach enabled participants to understand simple chemical reaction concepts as observable processes.
In a different room, a tense atmosphere surrounded the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Quiz Competition. Students whispered to each other, calculated quickly, and competed to raise their hands. The questions were designed to test basic logic and conceptual understanding.
“Some participants hesitated before answering, but encouragement from their classmates gave them the confidence to move forward,” she added.
Ananda said the peak of excitement took place on the school field during the water rocket activity. The rockets were assembled with participants using recycled plastic bottles, PVC pipes, and pumps. Students showed enthusiasm throughout the assembly, water pumping, and launch stages. The team also explained the principles of action and reaction behind the device.
For some students, Ananda noted, this was their first experience seeing physics concepts applied in real life. As a result, participants easily understood how rockets work. Discussions became lively when rockets flew straight or veered off course, prompting evaluations related to fin angles, balance, and air pressure.
The school welcomed the hands-on approach, noting that it brought a fresh atmosphere to learning. The principal of SD Negeri Demaan stated that experimental and competitive methods encouraged students to be more confident in asking questions and expressing their opinions.
Field Supervisor of the Gumilang Gunem Team, Dr. Sailal Arimi, expressed appreciation during a monitoring and evaluation visit, noting his pleasure at seeing campus knowledge applied innovatively for students in Demaan.
Dr. Arimi also commended the team’s work programs, which highlighted the potential of Demaan Village. In addition to the Water Rocket Festival as its flagship program, the team implemented initiatives including mapping and digitizing village potential, conducting outreach and training sessions, and building a low-emission waste incinerator.
“I hope students learn to apply their knowledge and interact directly with the community so that people can truly benefit from these community service efforts,” he said.
Reportage: Gumilang Gunem/Ananda Shabrina Putri Gunawan and Faris Firdaus
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photographs: Gumilang Gunem Team