Ethnoscience-Based Science Learning Through Composite Board Making Utilizing Eggshell Waste and Water Hyacinth Fiber (Eichornia Crassipes)

The demand for boards continues to increase every year, while overexploitation of wood leads to environmental degradation and forest loss. On the other hand, eggshell and water hyacinth waste continues to grow without optimal utilization. This research aims to make composite boards based on eggshell waste and water hyacinth fibers and analyze the potential of ethnoscience in science learning. This research used a qualitative descriptive method with a literature and documentation study approach. The materials used in this experiment are eggshell waste, water hyacinth fiber, and polyester resin. The composite board was made by mixing water hyacinth fiber and eggshell powder as reinforcing materials and polyester resin as a binding matrix. The results showed that the resulting composite board had a solid structure with a brownish beige color and a slightly rough surface texture. The calcium carbonate content of the eggshell provides stiffness, while the water hyacinth fiber increases the flexibility of the board. Theoretically, this material has the potential to be an environmentally friendly alternative for non-structural applications. In addition, this project can also be applied in ethnoscience-based science learning to integrate physics, chemistry, and biology concepts with local wisdom.