From Coastal Waste to Classroom Innovation, Polibatam Strengthens STEM Learning at SMK Kartini through SolidWorks 3D Design
BATAM – Politeknik Negeri Batam (Polibatam), in collaboration with SMK Kartini Batam, continues to strengthen vocational education through the 2026 Community Service Program (Program Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat/PkM) by implementing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-based learning with a Project-Based Learning (PjBL) approach. The program, titled “Utilization of Coastal Plastic Waste as STEM Learning Media through 3D Printing Technology Assistance at SMK Kartini Batam,” aims to connect environmental issues with vocational learning, engineering design, and digital manufacturing technology for teachers and students. This program is supported by the Directorate of Research and Community Service, Directorate General of Research and Development, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.
Following the program socialization and alignment stage through a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), the activity continued with competency development for teachers and students through project-based learning preparation and three-dimensional design training using SolidWorks. Participants were introduced to the digital product development process, starting from problem identification, solution design, 3D modeling, and preparation of STL (Standard Tessellation Language) files as part of the initial stage toward 3D Printing technology implementation. The introduction to machinery, digital manufacturing workflow, and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) aspects was conducted gradually to ensure participants’ readiness before entering the practical stage.
Coastal plastic waste became the main context for developing STEM learning activities. Through the PjBL approach, teachers and students were encouraged to understand that environmental issues can be explored and solved through the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Participants were trained to develop learning activities that involve problem identification, idea exploration, solution design, digital modeling, and design evaluation. The program also introduced the concept of a circular economy by encouraging a new perspective on plastic waste as a material with potential for further study and reuse through technological innovation.
During the design development process, participants began creating several concepts of 3D Printing-based learning media, including 3D Printing-Based Folding Angle Teaching Aid, Edupully 3D with shaft support, Rack and Pinion, Geneva Mechanism, and Folding Angle Ruler. These products are designed to support learning in IPAS, Mathematics, technical drawing, and basic Mechanical Engineering concepts. Currently, the five products are still in the concept development and digital modeling stage, while physical printing, functional testing, and product refinement will be conducted in the following implementation stages.
The program is carried out by a Politeknik Negeri Batam lecturer team led by Adi Syahputra Purba as the Head of the Community Service Team and involves students from the Mechanical Engineering Study Program, namely Mohd. Kevin Reihan Diandra, Nabilla Sarah Amalia, Randa Zulhisya, Rieke Ananta, and Sandy Raencho Atana. Student involvement in this activity represents the implementation of experiential learning while providing opportunities to apply engineering and design competencies in addressing the needs of vocational school partners.
Through collaboration among lecturers, students, teachers, and school students, Polibatam continues to strengthen its role in supporting technology-driven and innovative vocational education transformation. This program represents a concrete effort to create contextual, creative, and industry-relevant learning while promoting the use of digital technology to support environmental problem-solving in society.
Program Information:
The 2026 Community Service Program is supported by the Directorate of Research and Community Service, Directorate General of Research and Development, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.
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