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| Students who study and play at UMM Edupark. (Photo by Yafi PR of UMM) |
Getting to know flora and fauna directly is a fun learning activity. It is widespread to hear loud voices from Edupark at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) when a kindergarten or elementary school student pays a visit. There are a lot of aspects that can be studied there. Starting from how to care for cows, plant crops, interact with poultry, and others.
The manager of Edupark FPP UMM, Riza Rahman Hakim, S.Pi, M.Sc., said that UMM Edupark was initially an FPP laboratory. This place is usually used as a practicum site for students. However, since 2019, Edupark has started receiving visits from schools holding field trips. This is a step to expand the planned benefits.
"The school or the students have no need to spend too much. Only by paying an entrance fee of 20.000 rupiahs per person can visitors who come tour while studying in four different areas. Moreover, visitors will also get free souvenirs that they can take home," said Riza.
Furthermore, Riza explained that the four areas in UMM Edupark consisted of an agro-farm area, an animal farm, a fish edupark, and UMM bakery areas. Visitors or students will be invited to learn about mushroom cultivation and hydroponics, see the process of making nata de coco, and see a collection of ornamental plants in the greenhouse.
In addition, visitors are invited to see various farm animals and how to take care of them, for example, such as sheep, cows, and goats. Even hens stay away from making gas from cow dung (biogas).
"Meanwhile, in the fish edupark area, we invite visitors to see catfish, tilapia, catfish, and koi and how they are cultivated. Apart from being fun, children will also gain new knowledge and insights," she said.
Finally, the UMM Bakery area. Here, visitors can see the long process of making bread. Interestingly, the process is carried out in a more modern way and applies food technology science.
A man from Bojonegoro said that UMM was the only campus in Malang with an integrated agriculture, farm, and fishery lab in one location, used as an edupark. So far, many people know Edupark UMM from person to person. Therefore, many visitors come from schools. The response from the visitors was also positive because children could learn in a more pleasant atmosphere.
"Alhamdulillah, there are many schools that were impressed with the UMM Edupark. The teachers feel very helpful in the teaching and learning processes of their students. Especially the four areas provided by Edupark UMM. In fact, there are several schools that make return visits every semester," said Riza.
Finally, he hoped that the public could better know Edupark FPP UMM, not only the students but also those who want to know more about agriculture, animal husbandry, and bread making.
"We haven't officially launched it yet, Insya Allah, but soon it will be launched." We will also add several facilities that make it easier to make it more attractive to visit," she concluded. (put/zak/wil)
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