Banda Aceh, July 3, 2025 – The Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), successfully held a dissemination event for the Master’s Program in Physics under the theme “Project-Based Learning Integrated with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)”.
The event took place in a hybrid format, held onsite at SMA Negeri 3 Banda Aceh and simultaneously online via Zoom, allowing teachers from various regions across Aceh to participate.
Officially opened by Marthunis, ST., D.E.A, Head of the Aceh Provincial Education Office, the event received strong appreciation from education authorities. In his remarks, Marthunis commended the initiative of USK’s Master of Physics Program in building stronger collaboration between universities and secondary schools to foster more contextual, innovative, and application-based learning, a crucial step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education.
The dissemination featured Irwandi, Ph.D, lecturer at the Department of Physics FMIPA USK and mentor to many student innovation projects, and Syarwan Joni, M.Pd, Head of the Senior High School and PKLK Division at the Aceh Education Office, as keynote speakers. The session was moderated by Prof. Dr. Muksin, S.Si., M.Si., M.Phil, Head of the Master’s Program in Physics FMIPA USK and the initiator of the event.
Throughout the session, speakers highlighted how integrating Project-Based Learning (PBL) with STEM principles can enhance students’ critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in physics education. The event also featured a live demonstration of STEM tools, testimonies from alumni teachers who have guided their students to international innovation competitions, and a student project showcase from SMA Negeri 3 Banda Aceh. Under the supervision of Dr. Irwandi, these students successfully developed an air quality monitoring device, which won a regional STEM project competition.
The event was attended by 25 teachers from Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar onsite, while 130 teachers from across the province joined virtually.
Through this activity, the Department of Physics USK not only introduced its Master’s Program but also demonstrated its commitment to advancing innovative and inclusive physics education. The initiative contributes directly to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the improvement of teaching and learning quality, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the promotion of technology-driven education, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening collaboration between higher education and secondary schools.
“This event is part of our continuous effort to connect higher education with schools, empowering teachers and students to embrace science and innovation as tools for sustainable development,” said Prof. Muksin.
With this initiative, USK continues to affirm its role as a leading university in Indonesia committed to supporting the nation’s educational transformation through research-based and future-oriented learning approaches.
