Hesti Retno Tri Wulandari
A new national astronomical observatory is planned to be built at the vicinity of Mount Timau, about five-hour drive from Kupang city. Compared to provinces in the western part of Indonesia, East Nusa Tenggara (as other eastern provinces in general) still needs large support in almost all aspects of development, including in science education. To cater the very large need of non-school learning facilities in the province, we propose to establish a science center. The main idea is to decentralize the learning facilities, resources (including human resources) and programs, as well as to stimulate self-development effort of the local community. The science center bears the mission to provide interactive and engaging educational programs, facilities and activities to: - generate curiosity, build logical mind, promote interest and creative learning in science - refine sensitivity towards the environment, natural and otherwise - empower teachers through trainings - increase participation of parents in educational process of their children - revive collaborative working and learning RESULTS AND ACTIVITIES a. Preparation of a training module on ”Optics and Telescopes”, supplemented with a video on how to assemble/disassemble a Vixen telescope and other learning materials (July – September 2015). b. Training on optics, telescopes, and astronomy public outreach for 15 young lecturers, alumni and students of UNDANA, 20-21 September 2015 at UNDANA campus. c. ’Star Party’ and science exhibition for public, 21 September 2015 at UNDANA campus. d. Socialisation of the plan towards establishment of the science center: - through a presentation in the National Science and Space Seminar held by LAPAN in Kupang, 22 September 2015. Among the participants are local government officials, faculty members of UNDANA, and representatives of local community. e. Feasibility study so far has been conducted through: - literature study. We collected facts about Kupang Regency, as well as East Nusa Tenggara Province from official online materials from the Central Statistical Agency and government reports (e.g.: Kupang Regency in Numbers, East Nusa Tenggara in Numbers). The information is abundant, but some is nevertheless subject to verification. - discussion with local government officials, including the heads of the Directorate for Education, Youth and Sport of Kupang Regency and East Nusa Tenggara Province (11 November 2015) - academic discussions with sosiologists of UNDANA (21 September and 11 November 2015). - site visit to the proposed location for the science center in the village of Oelnasi – Kupang Tengah district of Kupang Regency (6 November 2015).
Penerapan Karya Tulis, Pelaksanaan Kegiatan Kepedulian Sosial berupa pendidikan/penyuluhan/pendampingan
A new national astronomical observatory is planned to be built at the vicinity of Mount Timau, about five-hour drive from Kupang city. Compared to provinces in the western part of Indonesia, East Nusa Tenggara (as other eastern provinces in general) still needs large support in almost all aspects of development, including in science education.