On August 14, 2025, SMA Alalak Barito, a remote high school in South Kalimantan, welcomed students and educators to a dynamic full-day workshop designed to modernize chemistry education. Blending hands-on learning, sustainable practices, and digital innovation, the event brought fresh relevance to science teaching, especially for schools in rural regions. The workshop was conducted across two rooms and featured a range of sessions covering themes such as chemical entrepreneurship, IoT applications, aromatherapy from recycled materials, microscale chemistry, and practical life-skill chemistry.
The day began with an opening ceremony led by the school's MC, accompanied by photos and videos that highlighted the school's remote location and the enthusiastic energy of its students and staff. The organizers emphasized the importance of bringing high-quality, innovative education to every corner of the country---no matter how remote.
The first session featured Prof. Dr. Sri Susilogati, M.Si, who spoke about the power of chemical entrepreneurship. She encouraged participants to think beyond traditional experiments, exploring how laboratory insights can be transformed into real-world products and sustainable innovations. Her session emphasized the connection between chemistry, creativity, and market impact, inspiring students to view science as a pathway to solving global challenges.Â
At the same time, Endah Fitriani Rahayu, M.Sc introduced participants to the concept of life skill chemistry. Her session showcased how everyday activities like cleaning, cooking, and managing waste are rooted in chemical principles. With simple experiments and real-life examples, she demonstrated that chemistry isn't confined to labs; it's a part of daily living, making the subject more accessible and relatable for students.
 Following that, Prof. Dr. Nanik Wijayati, M.Si, delivered a highly engaging workshop on crafting aromatherapy candles from recycled materials. Through this creative approach, she connected chemistry with environmental sustainability, showing participants how scientific knowledge can be applied to reduce waste while producing functional and marketable products. Students worked with recycled wax and natural scents, learning to mix, mold, and create candles that were both useful and eco-conscious.Â
Meanwhile, Devy Lestari, M.Pd led an in-depth microscale chemistry practicum. The session introduced students to techniques using minimal amounts of chemicals to conduct meaningful experiments. This hands-on activity highlighted precision, safety, and efficiency key aspects of responsible science. With specialized equipment and detailed guidance, students were able to carry out experiments that minimized environmental impact while maximizing learning outcomes.
As the formal sessions wrapped up, participants gathered for informal photo sessions and boarding pass returns. The day closed with a group photo capturing the sense of achievement and camaraderie among students, teachers, and organizers. The event was a testament to the power of collaborative, hands-on learning---and a reminder that even in the most remote areas, science education can be innovative, inclusive, and inspiring.
