By: Sani Firmansyah and Natalia T. Agnika

The Water Education Laboratory at Bumi Panda, which was inaugurated on Tuesday (22/03), has attracted public interest in knowing the quality of water in their neighborhood. One example is the students from Kuntum Cemerlang School Bandung who visited Bumi Panda last Tuesday (05/04).

In groups, they conducted water testing in the Water Education Laboratory accompanied by a team from Bumi Panda. Like little scientists, they wore lab coats and hats while checking the water samples that had been provided using measuring cups and litmus paper. Bumi Panda's team provided three water samples: orange water, fresh water and soapy water, representing acid, neutral and alkaline levels. Each water was tested with litmus paper and produced a different color on the litmus paper. "Wow, it turns out that orange water is red!" exclaimed Gita, one of the students. The assistants from Bumi Panda then explained the color change that occurs on litmus paper is related to the acidity level of each water sample provided, namely orange water which is acidic, soap water which is alkaline, and fresh water which is neutral. They also gained the knowledge that water that is suitable for consumption is neutral water.

After testing the acidity of the water, the students then conducted a microbial test to determine the bacteria found in the water. The water sample they tested was tap water. When examined through a microscope, many microbes were seen living in the water. "Sis, the bacteria look like spiders!" Adrian, a student at Kuntum Cemerlang School, was surprised at his findings. Sani Firmansyah from Bumi Panda then explained the importance of cooking the water first before drinking so that the bacteria in the water die.

In addition to receiving education about water, the 48 Kuntum Cemerlang School students were also introduced to six animals that are the focus of WWF-Indonesia's conservation work, namely the Javan rhino, Sumatran elephant, Sumatran tiger, orangutan, sea turtle, and whale hius. They listened intently to the explanation that currently the population of these animals is increasingly threatened due to rampant poaching, the reduction of their habitat, and climate change. They also had the opportunity to watch a movie about whale sharks and play turtle-themed cricket.

"We hope that our students' visit to Earth of the Panda can foster a sense of concern for nature, which is currently in a damaged condition. In addition, hopefully they can start to economize in using water. We are very grateful because with interesting and fun ways like the games they do, we are sure that the transfer of knowledge and information to children will be more easily conveyed," commented Mrs. Asri, one of the accompanying teachers of Kuntum Cemerlang School about the visit to Bumi Panda.

The Water Laboratory at Bumi Panda, located on Jl. Geusan Ulun No. 3 Dago, Bandung, can be visited on Tuesday-Sunday free of charge.