SIMPLE ECOLOGICALLY BASED AQUAPONIC SYSTEM DESIGN FOR VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

aquaponics

Abstract

 The Community Service program at SMK Muhammadiyah 3 Purwokerto introduced an ecologically based aquaponic system design as a learning method for 11th-grade students. Aquaponics, which combines aquaculture and hydroponics, offers a practical approach to understanding ecosystem relationships. Involving 29 vocational high school students, 4 Entrepreneurship teachers, 1 Master of Environmental Science postgraduate student, and 5 community service teams. The program aimed to enhance environmental understanding through learning simulations. Through a closed system, students observed the interactions between fish, plants, and microorganisms. Fish waste became nutrients for the plants, and the plants filtered water for the fish's survival. The activities consisted of socialization, counseling, and demonstration plot implementation, emphasizing the importance of theory and practice in environmental education. Students were tasked with designing, building, and maintaining an aquaponic system, then discussing the cultivation results and problems. As a result, students understood the concepts of ecology and sustainable agriculture, and developed critical thinking and teamwork skills. Their awareness of ecosystem balance and environmental impacts also increased. It was concluded that the implementation of the aquaponic system design was effective as a learning tool, inspiring students to care about the environment and motivating them to participate in maintaining the school's ecosystem. This activity recommends wider implementation in educational institutions to improve environmental literacy of the younger generation.