EXPLORING NIAS LOCAL WISDOM THROUGH AN ETHNOSCIENCE APPROACH AS A SCIENCE LEARNING RESOURCE IN SCHOOLS
Keywords:
Ethnoscience; Local Wisdom; Nias Culture; Science Education; Contextual Learning; Scientific Literacy
Abstract
This study explores the potential of Nias local wisdom as a science learning resource through an ethnoscience approach in school education. The research aims to identify forms of local knowledge embedded in Nias cultural practices and analyze their relevance to scientific concepts for integration into science learning. A qualitative ethnographic method was employed, involving in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis in selected communities in South Nias, Indonesia. The findings reveal that Nias local wisdom, such as Hombo Batu (stone jumping), traditional house construction (Omo Hada), and indigenous environmental management practices, contains implicit scientific concepts related to physics, biology, and environmental science. These cultural elements can be systematically transformed into contextual science learning resources that enhance students’ understanding and engagement. The ethnoscience approach bridges the gap between students’ cultural background and formal scientific knowledge, making learning more meaningful and relevant. The study also shows that integrating local wisdom into science education supports students’ scientific literacy, critical thinking, and cultural identity. However, challenges such as limited instructional materials and teacher readiness remain in implementing ethnoscience-based learning. Overall, this study concludes that Nias local wisdom has strong potential to enrich science education in schools when appropriately integrated through an ethnoscience framework.
References
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Harefa, D. (2025). Improving Environmental Conservation Skills through Science Learning that Values the Local Wisdom of Hombo Batu in the Botohilitano Indigenous Community. Global Sustainability and Community Engagement, 1(3), 119–130. https://doi.org/10.62568/gsce.v1i3.302
Harefa, D. (2025). Innovation In Social Science Learning Based On Local Wisdom: Hombo Batu As A Cultural Education Media In South Nias. Curve Elasticity: Jurnal Pendidikan Ekonomi, 6(1), 15-27. https://doi.org/10.57094/jpe.v6i1.2555
Harefa, D. (2025). Integrating Character Education Into Science Learning To Improve Academic Achievement At Sma Teluk Dalam. TUNAS : Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi, 6(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.57094/tunas.v6i1.2909
Harefa, D. (2025). Integration Of Local Wisdom In Nias Myths About Natural Phenomena As A Basis For Developing Science Learning And Strengthening Scientific Argumentation. KOHESI : Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra Indonesia, 6(1), 28-49. https://doi.org/10.57094/kohesi.v6i1.4075
Harefa, D. (2025). Integration Of Modern Soil Science, Integrated Farming, And Nias Local Wisdom For Agricultural Productivity Improvement. Jurnal Sapta Agrica, 4(2), 13-25. https://doi.org/10.57094/jsa.v4i2.3914
Harefa, D. (2025). Internalization Of Harefa Local Wisdom Values In Guidance And Counseling Services To Develop Students’ Integrity-Based Character In The Nias Islands. Counseling For All : Jurnal Bimbingan dan Konseling. 5(2), 52-68. https://doi.org/10.57094/jubikon.v5i2.3903
Harefa, D. (2025). Kearifan Lokal Nias dalam Pembelajaran IPA. Jejak Publisher. https://books.google.co.id/books?hl=id&lr=&id=k25eEQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&ots=u9GqnUJHSh&sig=Bp6hnvl_ZlgrJULhSHgWKmDl2gA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
Harefa, D. (2025). Local Wisdom As A Means To Foster Independence In Mathematics Learning. Afore : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 4(2), 101-117. https://doi.org/10.57094/afore.v4i2.3852
Harefa, D. (2025). Mathematics As A Philosophical Foundation In Hombo Batu: Exploring Nias’ Local Wisdom Through The Perspective Of Mathematics. Afore : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 4(1), 13-26. https://doi.org/10.57094/afore.v4i1.2557
Harefa, D. (2025). Ruang Lingkup Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam Sekolah Dasar. Jejak Publisher. https://books.google.co.id/books?hl=id&lr=&id=_LVcEQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&ots=C48NnkMdeK&sig=4u-9Pfn0KduAKOIq_92EoYaliCA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
Harefa, D. (2025). Student Character Education Based On Kinship And Solidarity Values Of Hombo Batu To Reduce Conflicts In Schools. Ndrumi : Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Humaniora, 8(2), 61-74. https://doi.org/10.57094/ndrumi.v8i2.3921
Harefa, D. (2025). The Application Of Hombo Batu Local Wisdom-Based Learning In Enhancing Student Discipline And Cooperation In The Nias Islands. Ndrumi : Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Humaniora, 8(1), 14-27. https://doi.org/10.57094/ndrumi.v8i1.2565
Harefa, D. (2025). The Influence Of Soil Texture Types On Land Resilience To Drought In South Nias. Jurnal Sapta Agrica, 4(1), 13-30. https://doi.org/10.57094/jsa.v4i1.2585
Harefa, D. (2025). The Role Of Sofo-Sofo In Strengthening Health Awareness And Local Wisdom In Nias. Haga : Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 4(2), 12-26. https://doi.org/10.57094/haga.v4i2.3918
Harefa, D. (2025). The Use Of Local Wisdom From Nias Traditional Houses As A Learning Medium For Creative Economy Among Students At SMA Negeri 1 Teluk Dalam. Curve Elasticity: Jurnal Pendidikan Ekonomi, 6(2), 106-119. https://doi.org/10.57094/jpe.v6i2.3233
Harefa, D. (2025). The Use Of Nias’ Hombo Batu Culture To Improve Students’ Science Literacy. Serumpun International Conference Proceedings (SICP), 1(1), 122–130. Retrieved from https://iesrjournal.com/index.php/serumpun/article/view/660
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Kvale, S. (2007). Doing interviews. Sage Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781849208963
Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2014). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
Nur Hikmah, Yohandri, Fitri Arsih, Minda Azhar, & Abdul Razak. (2025). Uncovering the Potential of Ethnoscience in Science Learning to Improve Students’ Literacy: A Systematic-Literature Review (2014–2024). Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v14i3.19591
Parmin, P., Sajidan, S., Ashadi, A., & Sutikno, S. (2017). Science learning model based on local wisdom to develop students’ scientific literacy. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 6(2), 298–304. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v6i2.10662
Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
Rosyidah, F., Susantini, E., Yuliani, Y., & Nisa', K. . (2025). Local Wisdom and STEM in Science Education to Support SDG-4: A Systematic Review. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 14(4). https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v14i4.34450
Suryawati, E., Osman, K., & Meerah, T. S. M. (2020). The effectiveness of ethnoscience-based science learning on students’ scientific literacy. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 9(1), 34–43. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v9i1.22056
UNESCO. (2017). Education for sustainable development goals: Learning objectives. https://doi.org/10.54675/CGBA9153
Aikenhead, G. S. (2006). Science education for everyday life: Evidence-based practice. Teachers College Press.
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
Hamna, & Muh. Khaerul Ummah BK. (2024). The Effectiveness of Ethnoscience Learning Based on Local Wisdom Values in Elementary Schools. Madako Elementary School, 3(2), 165–183. https://doi.org/10.56630/mes.v3i2.274
Harefa, D. (2024). Exploring Local Wisdom Values Of South Nias For The Development Of A Conservation-Based Science Curriculum. TUNAS : Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi, 5(2), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.57094/tunas.v5i2.2284
Harefa, D. (2025). A Contextual Physics Learning Model On Projectile Motion Through Hombo Batu Activity Within The Local Wisdom Of South Nias. FAGURU: Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Keguruan, 4(2), 79-93. https://doi.org/10.57094/faguru.v4i2.3072
Harefa, D. (2025). A Loving Greeting From Nias: The Meaning, Function, And Social Values In The Word Ya’ahowu. Research on English Language Education, 7(2), 14-27. https://doi.org/10.57094/relation.v7i2.3853
Harefa, D. (2025). Enhancing Children’s Learning Interest Through Reading Activities In Celebration Of The Mission And Reformation In Bawonifaoso Village. Haga : Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 4(1), 53-63. https://doi.org/10.57094/haga.v4i1.3917
Harefa, D. (2025). Exploration Of The Hombo Batu Tradition Of Nias As A Stem Learning Media: Integration Of Biology, Physics, And Mathematics. TUNAS : Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi, 6(2), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.57094/tunas.v6i2.4080
Harefa, D. (2025). Filsafat pendidikan nasional sebagai budaya kearifan lokal Nias. CV Lutfi Gilang. https://www.penerbitlutfigilang.com/id/shop/filsafat-pendidikan-nasional-sebagai-budaya-kearifan-lokal-nias-27
Harefa, D. (2025). Fisika Di Dunia Nyata: Evaluasi Pendidikan IPA Yang Tak Sekadar Hitungan Dan Rumus. CV Lutfi Gilang.
Harefa, D. (2025). Gamification Of Civic Education Based On Traditional Fahombo Fighting Values In Developing A Perseverant Characte. CIVIC SOCIETY RESEARCH And EDUCATION: Jurnal Pendidikan Pancasila Dan Kewarganegaraan, 6 (2), 18-32. https://doi.org/10.57094/jpkn.v6i2.4079
Harefa, D. (2025). Getting To Know Yahowu And Ya’ahowu Warm Greetings From The Nias Community. KOHESI : Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra Indonesia, 5(2), 15-27. https://doi.org/10.57094/kohesi.v5i2.2559
Harefa, D. (2025). Globalizing Hombo Batu The Role Of English In Promoting Nias Local Wisdom On The International Stage. Research on English Language Education, 7(1), 74-91. https://doi.org/10.57094/relation.v7i1.2638
Harefa, D. (2025). Hombo Batu A Traditional Art That Can Be Explained With The Laws Of Physics. FAGURU: Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Keguruan, 4(1), 264-276. https://doi.org/10.57094/faguru.v4i1.2459
Harefa, D. (2025). Hombo Batu The Tradition Of South Nias That Teaches Courage And Cooperation. FAGURU: Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Keguruan, 4(1), 75-84. https://doi.org/10.57094/faguru.v4i1.2454
Harefa, D. (2025). Humanities Education and Hombo Batu Transforming Nias Local Wisdom Towards a Sustainable Society. International Conference on Humanities, Education, Language and Culture, 5(1), 368-385.
Harefa, D. (2025). Implementation Of Pancasila Character Education In Hombo Batu In South Nias. Civic Society Research and Education: Jurnal Pendidikan Pancasila dan Kewarganegaraan, 6 (1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.57094/jpkn.v6i1.2566
Harefa, D. (2025). Improving Environmental Conservation Skills through Science Learning that Values the Local Wisdom of Hombo Batu in the Botohilitano Indigenous Community. Global Sustainability and Community Engagement, 1(3), 119–130. https://doi.org/10.62568/gsce.v1i3.302
Harefa, D. (2025). Innovation In Social Science Learning Based On Local Wisdom: Hombo Batu As A Cultural Education Media In South Nias. Curve Elasticity: Jurnal Pendidikan Ekonomi, 6(1), 15-27. https://doi.org/10.57094/jpe.v6i1.2555
Harefa, D. (2025). Integrating Character Education Into Science Learning To Improve Academic Achievement At Sma Teluk Dalam. TUNAS : Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi, 6(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.57094/tunas.v6i1.2909
Harefa, D. (2025). Integration Of Local Wisdom In Nias Myths About Natural Phenomena As A Basis For Developing Science Learning And Strengthening Scientific Argumentation. KOHESI : Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra Indonesia, 6(1), 28-49. https://doi.org/10.57094/kohesi.v6i1.4075
Harefa, D. (2025). Integration Of Modern Soil Science, Integrated Farming, And Nias Local Wisdom For Agricultural Productivity Improvement. Jurnal Sapta Agrica, 4(2), 13-25. https://doi.org/10.57094/jsa.v4i2.3914
Harefa, D. (2025). Internalization Of Harefa Local Wisdom Values In Guidance And Counseling Services To Develop Students’ Integrity-Based Character In The Nias Islands. Counseling For All : Jurnal Bimbingan dan Konseling. 5(2), 52-68. https://doi.org/10.57094/jubikon.v5i2.3903
Harefa, D. (2025). Kearifan Lokal Nias dalam Pembelajaran IPA. Jejak Publisher. https://books.google.co.id/books?hl=id&lr=&id=k25eEQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&ots=u9GqnUJHSh&sig=Bp6hnvl_ZlgrJULhSHgWKmDl2gA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
Harefa, D. (2025). Local Wisdom As A Means To Foster Independence In Mathematics Learning. Afore : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 4(2), 101-117. https://doi.org/10.57094/afore.v4i2.3852
Harefa, D. (2025). Mathematics As A Philosophical Foundation In Hombo Batu: Exploring Nias’ Local Wisdom Through The Perspective Of Mathematics. Afore : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 4(1), 13-26. https://doi.org/10.57094/afore.v4i1.2557
Harefa, D. (2025). Ruang Lingkup Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam Sekolah Dasar. Jejak Publisher. https://books.google.co.id/books?hl=id&lr=&id=_LVcEQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&ots=C48NnkMdeK&sig=4u-9Pfn0KduAKOIq_92EoYaliCA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
Harefa, D. (2025). Student Character Education Based On Kinship And Solidarity Values Of Hombo Batu To Reduce Conflicts In Schools. Ndrumi : Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Humaniora, 8(2), 61-74. https://doi.org/10.57094/ndrumi.v8i2.3921
Harefa, D. (2025). The Application Of Hombo Batu Local Wisdom-Based Learning In Enhancing Student Discipline And Cooperation In The Nias Islands. Ndrumi : Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Humaniora, 8(1), 14-27. https://doi.org/10.57094/ndrumi.v8i1.2565
Harefa, D. (2025). The Influence Of Soil Texture Types On Land Resilience To Drought In South Nias. Jurnal Sapta Agrica, 4(1), 13-30. https://doi.org/10.57094/jsa.v4i1.2585
Harefa, D. (2025). The Role Of Sofo-Sofo In Strengthening Health Awareness And Local Wisdom In Nias. Haga : Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 4(2), 12-26. https://doi.org/10.57094/haga.v4i2.3918
Harefa, D. (2025). The Use Of Local Wisdom From Nias Traditional Houses As A Learning Medium For Creative Economy Among Students At SMA Negeri 1 Teluk Dalam. Curve Elasticity: Jurnal Pendidikan Ekonomi, 6(2), 106-119. https://doi.org/10.57094/jpe.v6i2.3233
Harefa, D. (2025). The Use Of Nias’ Hombo Batu Culture To Improve Students’ Science Literacy. Serumpun International Conference Proceedings (SICP), 1(1), 122–130. Retrieved from https://iesrjournal.com/index.php/serumpun/article/view/660
Harefa, D. (2025). Transformasi pendidikan IPA fisika di era industri 5.0 : mempersiapkan generasi pintar dan berinovasi. CV Lutfi Gilang. https://www.penerbitlutfigilang.com/id/shop/transformasi-pendidikan-ipa-fisika-di-era-industri-5-0-mempersiapkan-generasi-pintar-dan-berinovasi-41
Kvale, S. (2007). Doing interviews. Sage Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781849208963
Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2014). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
Nur Hikmah, Yohandri, Fitri Arsih, Minda Azhar, & Abdul Razak. (2025). Uncovering the Potential of Ethnoscience in Science Learning to Improve Students’ Literacy: A Systematic-Literature Review (2014–2024). Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v14i3.19591
Parmin, P., Sajidan, S., Ashadi, A., & Sutikno, S. (2017). Science learning model based on local wisdom to develop students’ scientific literacy. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 6(2), 298–304. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v6i2.10662
Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
Rosyidah, F., Susantini, E., Yuliani, Y., & Nisa', K. . (2025). Local Wisdom and STEM in Science Education to Support SDG-4: A Systematic Review. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 14(4). https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v14i4.34450
Suryawati, E., Osman, K., & Meerah, T. S. M. (2020). The effectiveness of ethnoscience-based science learning on students’ scientific literacy. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 9(1), 34–43. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v9i1.22056
UNESCO. (2017). Education for sustainable development goals: Learning objectives. https://doi.org/10.54675/CGBA9153
Published
2026-04-29
How to Cite
Harefa, D. (2026). EXPLORING NIAS LOCAL WISDOM THROUGH AN ETHNOSCIENCE APPROACH AS A SCIENCE LEARNING RESOURCE IN SCHOOLS. TUNAS : Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi, 7(1), 20=36. https://doi.org/10.57094/tunas.v7i1.4779
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