August 13, 2026

Bekasi, 7 August 2026 — Project-Based Learning (PjBL) once again provided an opportunity for students at SMP Al Siddiq International School to develop their creativity, critical-thinking skills, and environmental awareness. This time, the students explored the theme “Making Use of Used Items” through a variety of experiments and creative group projects. For this activity, the students were divided into 10 groups. Each group was given the opportunity to develop its own ideas based on environmental issues identified in their surroundings. The learning process did not stop at creating the projects. The students also documented their experiments in the form of videos, which then became part of their presentations and the publication of their learning outcomes. The students successfully developed a wide range of interesting topics. Some groups focused on waste management issues that have yet to be properly addressed, while others explored ways of recycling used items into useful products. Another group developed an Eco Brick Project, which involved using plastic waste to create reusable materials. The projects did not focus solely on waste management. Several groups explored broader themes, such as “Minimal Waste Lifestyle”, which encourages people to adopt a lifestyle that minimises the amount of waste produced in everyday life. Meanwhile, the theme “A Life of Purity and Faith” connected cleanliness and environmental awareness with values rooted in faith. The PjBL process provided the students with a different kind of learning experience. Rather than simply receiving information theoretically, they were challenged to identify problems, gather information, discuss ideas, conduct experiments, find solutions, and communicate their findings through digital media. This activity demonstrated that project-based learning can provide a valuable space for students to develop critical thinking and creativity. From items that were previously considered useless, the students were able to discover various possibilities and transform them into meaningful ideas, creative works, and practical solutions. In addition to creativity and critical thinking, the activity also developed collaboration, communication, problem-solving, responsibility, and technological skills. Producing videos of their experiments was one way in which the students learnt how to present an idea in a clear and engaging manner. They then presented their projects and creative ideas in front of fellow students and teachers as a form of appreciation for the work produced by the students of SMP Al Siddiq International School. Through this PjBL activity, the students are expected not only to become a generation capable of using technology, but also a generation that is sensitive to environmental issues, confident in seeking solutions, and capable of creating innovations from simple things. Ultimately, this project conveyed an important message: used items are not merely rubbish. With creativity, knowledge, and care, something simple can be transformed into a valuable creation. This is one example of learning that encourages students not only to “learn to know”, but also to “learn to create, solve, and contribute.” By: Retno Suzanne Handayani, Lc., M.Pd.By : Retno Suzanne Handayani,Lc, M,Pd