Banda Aceh, October 1, 2026 – The Chemistry Department of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) welcomed approximately 20 students from SMAN 2 Lhoknga, Aceh Besar, on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The visit provided the students with an opportunity to explore the university environment and gain firsthand exposure to laboratory facilities and learning activities in the Chemistry Department.
During the visit, the students were introduced to several laboratories within the Chemistry Department. They received explanations about the laboratory environment, equipment, and practical activities that support Chemistry learning at the university level. The activity was conducted in an educational and interactive atmosphere, allowing the students to directly observe how laboratories are utilized in academic and scientific activities.
The laboratory visit also helped the students understand the connection between Chemistry concepts learned at school and their practical applications. Through demonstrations and direct observation, the students gained a broader perspective on how scientific principles can be explored through laboratory-based learning.
Throughout the activity, the students showed enthusiasm and curiosity as they listened to explanations and observed the laboratory activities. Their interaction with lecturers and laboratory staff also provided an opportunity to learn more about studying Chemistry at the university level and the various learning experiences offered within the department.
The activity also reflects the commitment of the Chemistry Department of FMIPA USK to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education. The United Nations highlights the importance of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Providing secondary school students with direct exposure to university laboratories contributes to this goal by creating additional learning experiences and introducing students to higher education and practical scientific skills.
In particular, the visit is relevant to SDG 4.3 and SDG 4.4, which emphasize access to quality tertiary education and the development of relevant skills among young people. By allowing students to experience university-based laboratory learning at an early stage, the activity helps broaden their understanding of higher education while encouraging interest in science, technology, and future academic opportunities.
Beyond its educational contribution, the visit also strengthened the relationship between the Chemistry Department of FMIPA USK and secondary schools in Aceh. This collaboration represents a practical contribution to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, particularly through strengthening cooperation among educational institutions to support learning and student development.
Through educational visits such as this, the Chemistry Department of FMIPA USK continues to support science learning by providing secondary school students with direct experiences of university-based education and laboratory activities. Such experiences can help students gain a more contextual understanding of Chemistry, develop scientific curiosity, and recognize the relevance of scientific knowledge in higher education and future careers.
The visit concluded with a group documentation session. The Chemistry Department of FMIPA USK hopes that this activity will contribute to stronger collaboration with schools across Aceh while introducing younger generations to the academic environment, laboratory facilities, and scientific culture of the university. More importantly, the activity is expected to inspire students to pursue continuous learning and explore opportunities in science and higher education, in line with the broader objectives of SDG 4: Quality Education.
