By, Adibah Amir
On 26 November 2024, Sekolah Kebangsaan Sentul 1 held an inspiring event to showcase the achievements through its Kefahaman Melalui Reka Bentuk (KmR) and STEM program. This showcase brought together students and teachers from the Sentul district and welcomed notable visitors, including representatives from the Kelulut Research Group at IIUM.
The event commenced with a welcoming speech by the school principal, Rosman Bin Matnoor, who commended the students’ and teachers’ dedication and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the Parents and Teachers Association (PIBG). Following this, Penolong Pegawai Pendidikan, from the Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah Sentul, Nor Affendi Bin Abdullah, officiated the event with a speech emphasizing how the KmR program integrates STEM education into real-world applications, to encourage students to consider STEM fields for future studies.
From Waste to Art: Showcasing Creativity
Themed ‘From Waste to Art,’ the showcase featured creative projects from Year 6 students who demonstrated their ability to reuse and recycle materials like eggshells, straws, plastic waste, paper, and cardboard. Each project represented a Malaysian state, weaving a narrative of innovation and sustainability.
Notable projects include a Sarawakian Rumah Panjang model powered by renewable energy wind turbines, a Kedah-inspired robot-controlled paddy irrigation system capable of detecting low water levels and a Perak-inspired model of Proton City in Tanjung Malim, equipped with an automated gating system to support community well-being. These projects exhibited technical innovation as well as addressing social and environmental challenges.
Integrating Subjects for Holistic Learning
The KmR program fostered cross-disciplinary learning, with students integrating subjects such as English, Arts, History, and Bahasa Melayu into their projects. The guidance of dedicated teachers, who facilitated the learning process and encouraged exploration and experimentation, played a crucial role in the event’s success.
Exploring Urban Gardening Innovations
A standout feature of the KmR program was the integration of aquaponic technology into the school’s urban garden. The system utilizes four fish tanks to create a symbiotic environment where fish and plants thrive together. The fish provide natural nutrients for the plants, while the plants help purify the water for the fish.
Currently, the garden is flourishing with eggplants and cucumbers nearing their harvest stage. This hands-on project has demonstrated the students’ understanding of eco-friendly agricultural practices and enhanced their awareness of food security and sustainable approach
Fostering Future Collaborations
The event opened doors for potential collaborations, particularly with the Kelulut Research Group from IIUM and KMK Agro Global Sdn Bhd, a leading company in rock melon fertigation. As a special treat, KMK Agro delighted attendees with their unique production of organic rock melon ice cream during the event.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the day concluded, a sense of pride resonated among students, teachers, and parents. The KmR program at SK Sentul 1 has proven its ability to inspire and equip young minds with creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. This transformative initiative by the Ministry of Education stands as a testament to how design-based education, combined with STEM integration, can pave the way for a brighter and more innovative future.
Sarawak Group with wind turbine and automatic bell
Perak Group with Proton City model
IIUM lecturers from Kelulut Research Group taking a photo with Noor Hafiza Binti Abdul Hamid (in the middle), Penolong Kanan Kokurikulum SK Sentul 1
IIUM lecturers from Kelulut Research Group taking a photo with Ibrahim Bin Ismail (left), Coordinator Urban Garden SK Sentul 1
Attendees enjoyed racing remote controlled car during the KmR showcase
KMK Agro Global Sdn Bhd ice cream truck serving special rock melon ice cream
(Dr. Adibah Amir is an academic in the Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia.)
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