On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, the Himpunan Mahasiswa Arkeologi (HIMA UGM), Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, through its Community Service Division, held the Archaeology Goes To School #1 program, which is an introductory activity about archaeology by providing presentations and games related to archaeology to students at SMP Negeri 2 Ngaglik, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta Province. The activity also collaborated with Mandira Brick, the manufacturer of educational games in the form of miniature temple puzzles designed for the general public, including students. The event took place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and was interactive, featuring question-and-answer sessions and a game where students were divided into six groups to assemble the miniature temple building blocks.
The event began with an opening session in a classroom at SMP Negeri 2 Ngaglik, where HIMA UGM students warmly welcomed the students. This was followed by a general introduction to UGM Archaeology and information about the HIMA UGM organization. Following the general introduction, the session continued with a presentation on Classical Archaeology aimed at introducing students to restoration and conservation in the care of cultural heritage sites.
“Since our audience consists of middle school students, we provided basic material on restoration, conservation, the restoration process, and how to maintain cultural heritage buildings, particularly temples. So we covered topics such as: Definitions of restoration and conservation, followed by the step-by-step process of restoration activities, and concluding with how to maintain restored temples to ensure their longevity,” explained Arya Sena Prasetio, Chairperson of the Archaeology Goes to School #1 event from the Community Service Division of HIMA UGM, detailing the rationale behind the presentation on Classical Archaeology.
After the presentation and interactive Q&A session concluded, the students were divided into six groups, each consisting of five members, to assemble miniature models of Sukuh Temple and Ratu Boko Temple provided by the Mandira Brick team. Each group assembled six sets of Mandira building toys under the guidance of HIMA UGM students throughout the process. The toys were then donated to SMP Negeri 2 Ngaglik as a continuation of the lesson on temple restoration and conservation, serving as a tool for further learning. The event concluded with a photo session with the students, followed by closing remarks from HIMA UGM students and the Mandira Brick team, accompanied by the presentation of symbolic plaques and Mandira toys.
“Hopefully, through the implementation of Archaeology Goes To School, archaeology can be introduced to schoolchildren and provide a broader understanding of the importance of cultural heritage, as well as motivate students to study more diligently with the new learning medium through Mandira Brick,” Sena expressed regarding her hopes for the activity.
