Yogyakarta, August 7, 2025 — As part of its efforts to improve students' understanding of the applications of chemistry, Al Azhar 9 High School, Yogyakarta, conducted an educational visit to the Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Yogyakarta State University (UNY) on August 7, 2025.

Dozens of 10th and 11th grade students participated in this activity. During the visit, the students had the opportunity to participate in a practicum themed "Organic Chemistry of Natural Products, Biochemistry, and Analytical Chemistry," focusing on the use of modern instrumentation in chemical analysis.

During the practicum, students were introduced to two main instruments:

UV-Vis Spectrophotometer: used to analyze compounds based on ultraviolet and visible light absorption, which is crucial for identifying organic compounds and biomolecules.

TLC Scanner (Thin Layer Chromatography Scanner): used to quantitatively analyze thin-layer chromatography results, commonly used in the analysis of natural products such as secondary metabolites from plants.

The students not only witnessed demonstrations of equipment use, but also participated directly in the qualitative identification of compounds extracted from natural materials, and in spectral analysis to determine the protein content in egg samples and Fe metal ions from solution samples.

According to one of the accompanying teachers, this activity was a golden opportunity for students to gain real-world laboratory experience, typically only accessible at the university level.

"We hope this activity will foster students' interest in chemistry, especially in the field of laboratory-based science research and development," said Mrs. Bella.

Meanwhile, a team of lecturers and laboratory assistants from the UNY Department of Chemistry Education warmly welcomed the visit and appreciated the students' enthusiasm and curiosity.

This visit was part of a collaborative program between the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) UNY and schools in Yogyakarta and the surrounding areas to introduce the world of research and laboratories to the younger generation from an early age.