A Field Trip to Herbs Conservation
On Monday, February 5th, 2024, the MYP 4/5 students reached their peak as they embarked on a field trip to SOCFINDO Conservation in Dolok Masihul, Serdang Bedagai. This excursion held significance as it aligned with their interdisciplinary unit (IDU) on “Traditional Health and Human Physiology” for Language B Indonesian and Science.
At the SOCFINDO Conservation site, students delved into the realm of herbal plants and their myriad benefits. Encompassing over a thousand plants across more than one and a half hectares, this tour offered insights into the diverse applications of herbs in cooking and promoting health—a perfect complement to the Language B Indonesian curriculum. Many of these plants, though familiar in our surroundings, often go unnoticed due to a lack of knowledge regarding their names, benefits, and usage. The primary objective of the trip was to bridge this gap, enhancing students’ comprehension through direct observation and interaction with herbal plants.
Our visit commenced with a warm welcome and a delightful introduction to Jamu, a home-made herbal drink concocted from various herbs cultivated on-site. The hosts generously shared the ingredients, preparation methods, and the drink’s health benefits, setting the tone for an informative and engaging experience.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the students explored the conservation area, gaining insights into different herbal plants, their distinctive characteristics, benefits, and cultivation methods. Notably, the Insulin Plant, utilized in diabetes treatment, served as a poignant reminder of the natural origins of medical solutions, drawing parallels to the synthetic insulin injected for blood sugar regulation.
Throughout the garden tour, students embodied IB learner profiles, displaying attributes such as being risk-takers and open-minded individuals. They sampled herbs directly from the plants, discovering their authentic flavors, and explored various herb-derived products. The gastronomic adventure continued with a lunch featuring blue rice derived from Bunga Telang (butterfly peas) and desserts incorporating Cincau and coconut milk. Inquisitive minds thrived as students posed questions, showcasing their role as inquirers seeking a deeper understanding of traditional health practices and herbal plants.
Despite the nearly two-hour duration of the trip, the experience proved invaluable for both students and teachers. The guided tour and explanations offered by our hosts provided profound insights into historical approaches to treating ailments using natural resources. This, in turn, allowed students to draw connections between ancient remedies and the evolution of modern medical treatments, highlighting the utilization of active substances found in plants.
The enthusiasm displayed by students during the trip was truly gratifying. As the journey concluded, there was unanimous agreement among both students and teachers to return for future explorations, eagerly anticipating opportunities to delve deeper into various activities, including the intricate processes involved in crafting herbal remedies.
