The Biodiversity Conservation Research and Community Service Group (KERISDIMAS) BIO-CON conducted a community service activity in the form of a Workshop on Enhancing Teacher Skills through Preserved Animal Specimens at SMA Negeri Rambipuji. This activity was part of an effort to improve teachers’ competencies in supporting more interactive and applicable Biology and Science learning.
The workshop began with presentations on the fundamentals of conservation, the importance of preserved specimens in education, ethical considerations in animal sampling, and basic specimen preservation techniques. Participating teachers gained theoretical insights into the use of preserved specimens as effective learning media in schools.
Material Presentation Activities (Workshop)
In addition to receiving theoretical material, the participants also took part in hands-on simulations of preserved specimen preparation. The teachers practiced various stages, ranging from sample selection and wet and dry preservation techniques to proper specimen storage methods to maintain specimen quality.
Various types of specimens were successfully prepared, including insects, fish, and small reptiles. These preserved specimens can later be utilized as learning media to support both laboratory activities and classroom instruction.
Simulation Activity
Specimen Preservation Results
In addition to preservation practice, the teachers also developed lesson plans based on preserved specimens. The learning materials designed during the workshop covered topics such as:
- Biodiversity
- Animal adaptation
- Ecosystems and interactions among living organisms
This activity demonstrated that specimen-based learning media can help students understand biological concepts more concretely through direct observation and hands-on learning experiences.
As a follow-up to the program, the KERISDIMAS BIO-CON team also conducted mentoring and monitoring through online communication to ensure that the outcomes of the workshop could be effectively implemented in the school learning process.
Through this activity, KERISDIMAS BIO-CON hopes that teachers will become more skilled in developing innovative learning media while also fostering awareness among students about the importance of biodiversity conservation.