Ethnoscience Study on Sono’ Cow Traditional Contest: A Conservation Strategy in Sustainable Education

Abstract

Several cultures on Madura Island are closely related to science, but many people unaware about it, such as the traditional sono' cow contest (TSCC) in Pamekasan. This study aims to describe the results of ethnoscience research in traditional sono' cow contest in terms of scientific activities and concepts. The type of research is qualitative using an ethnographic approach. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation to identify scientific activities and concepts in the traditional sono' cow contest. The researcher is the main instrument in this study. The data obtained were analyzed using the triangulation method. The results of the study show that scientific activities manifested in TSCC are choosing the shape of the sono' cow based on the size and standard units, determining the sono' cow to be contested based on the characteristics and peculiarity of superior cows, making herbal medicine, determining equipment and materials that meet material properties, and contest procedures that involve harmony and balance. Meanwhile, there are scientific concepts in TSCC such as size and units, characteristics and classification of living things and biodiversity, material properties, ecosystems and their interactions, ethnobotany, conservation, and body regulation systems. It can be concluded that the traditional sono' cow contest can be used as a strategy for conserving superior Madurese cow germplasm in sustainability education as a source of science learning. This study suggests strengthening local wisdom culture in sustainability education through the integration of local content in the curriculum.