Junior Science Research Articles

Content Mastery of Design and Technology Subject Teachers at MARA Junior Science College

Content Mastery of Design and Technology Subject Teachers at MARA Junior Science College

The Influence of E-Book Based on Local Wisdom on the Cognitive Learning Outcomes of Science Junior High School Students Through Outing Class Method

This study measures the learning outcomes of the cognitive domain to obtain accurate information about aspects of student domain ability. Cognitive learning outcomes were researched to implement science learning through outing classes using e-books based on local wisdom. This study aims to determine the effect of e-books based on local wisdom on the cognitive learning outcomes of Junior High School students. This study is a quasi-experiment in two groups, namely experimental class (E) and control Class (K), using a direct learning model with a sample of students in class 7K of 33 students and class 7I of 35 students. Data collection techniques using Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design. The study was conducted by inviting students to do outing class learning using e-books, and tests were conducted using pretest and post-test sheets. The research Instrument used consisted of cognitive questions totaling 20 multiple choice questions with data analysis using inferential statistics with a T-test (independent samples t-test) on SPSS version 26. Results research shows no significant effect on the use of e-books based on local wisdom on the classification of living things, where the learning outcomes of experimental classes with e-book treatment are higher than the control class without e-book treatment. Thus, using e-books based on local wisdom is quite influential in improving cognitive understanding and student learning outcomes.

Development and Usability of ‘Skeletopedia’ Mobile Application for Human Skeletal System

This study aimed to develop an android-based mobile learning application, Skeletopedia based on the cognitive constructivism and cognitive theory of multimedia learning and evaluated its usability as an educational tool for Form Five Biology students. The Skeletopedia was developed according to ADDIE model. It was designed to aid the Form 5 students in understanding and remembering the Latin terminology of human skeletal system as well as allowing them to visualise the human skeleton through three-dimensional augmented reality skeletal models. Two biology teachers were appointed to assess the face and content validity of the questionnaire and Skeletopedia, while 97 Form Five Biology students from Mara Junior Science College (MJSC) FELDA Trolak were selected as respondents for the field study. The usability questionnaire developed in this study had obtained high validity (κ = 1.00, CVI = 1.00) and reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient = 0.970). The ‘Skeletopedia’ application had acquired high validity in terms of face validity (κ = 1.00) and content validity (CVI = 1.00). The findings show that perception of students on the design of the Skeletopedia have a mean score of 3.637 (SD = 0.443), the mean score for the content is 3.598 (SD = 0.444), the efficiency (mean = 3.650, SD = 0.434), and usefulness (mean = 3.652, SD = 0.430). In conclusion, Skeletopedia has a high content validity and reliability value. Students' perception of the Skeletopedia also has a high mean value. The findings of this study implied that the Skeletopedia is appropriate and effective to be used as a self-learning tool ubiquitously in enhancing students’ understanding of human skeletal system without time and space constraints due to its portability and flexibility.

Transforming scholarly communications: The part played by the pandemic and the contribution of early career researchers

AbstractInvestigates whether junior researchers believe that the scholarly communication system is changing in a significant way, whether they have contributed to the changes they envisaged, whether the pandemic has fast‐forwarded change and what they thought a transformed system might look like. The data are drawn from the Harbingers‐2 project, which investigated the impact of the pandemic on the scholarly communications attitudes and behaviours of early career researchers (ECRs), employing repeat interviewing with around 170 science and social science junior researchers from eight countries. The article focuses on the findings of the last of three rounds of interviews, with comparisons made with the first round, held 18 months earlier, when the pandemic was most active. A majority of ECRs thought that there had been significant changes in the scholarly system, and a large minority thought that the pandemic was responsible. Most of them wanted a system that was more open in terms of open access and open data, with a third taking personal action to bring about change.

ASEAN+3 과학실험 탐구대회에 참가한 중학교 영재 학생의 과학 관련 경험과 과학에 대한 인식 변화 분석

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of six science gifted students in Korea who participated in ASEAN +3 Junior Science Odyssey through an in-dept interview. Through this, we tried to find an educational implications for the global science experiment and inquiry contest, which can change the perception of science and provide positive experiences about science for gifted students. As a result of this study, before participating ASEAN+3 Junior Science Odyssey, gifted students who had no experience in international exchange or science-related competitions, had a typical image of scientists, and had no experience conducting experiments autonomously at school. Through the experimental activities held in JSO, they realized the joy of the experiment to reveal knowledge and principles, and showed changes in their perception about science, such as changing image of scientists and showing confidence and interest in their careers in science and engineering. However, it was found that experience in terms of science-related self-concepts, such as self-efficacy and self-esteem was somewhat insufficient. Based on the result of this study, we proposed the appearance of the global science experiment and inquiry contest to change gifted students’ positive experiences related to science and their perception of science.

Investigating STEM Career Content in Indonesian Science Junior High School Textbooks

This study aims to analyze the STEM career content in science junior high school textbooks commonly used for the seventh grade students in Indonesian schools. This research was qualitative descriptive research with content analysis. The analysis was carried out on five books that are widely used in the school. Reports and activities were analyzed using content analysis through an assessment rubric based on Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) which are awareness, relevance, engagement and self-efficacy. The analysis showed that the STEM career content in science junior high school textbooks were still lacking. The books were not sufficient in presenting content about careers in the STEM field. These results indicated that none of the five textbooks had fulfilled the four aspects of STEM career. The aspect most commonly found in the textbooks was self-efficacy, and the most observed STEM career content was found in the earliest chapter, which is Nature of Science. These findings highlight the importance of career oriented in science lesson that illustrated in the textbook to enhance students’ perception and enthusiasm in pursuing STEM career in the future.

The Philippine K to 12 Junior Science Program in Thematic Instruction

The present study describes the attempt to achieve the competencies of the Philippine K to 12 Science Program through thematic instruction. It seeks to address the challenges encountered by science teachers with the current curriculum design. The researchers used a thematic instructional model in giving classroom instruction. Two sets of pre-service teachers, taking part as facilitators and as observers, were purposely chosen in the study. The researchers used convergent mixed methods design in analysing the pre-service teachers' experience and observations in teaching through thematic instruction. Results revealed that the thematic instruction implemented in the study has the potential to address the challenges of the current K to 12 science curriculum in terms of design, lesson content, and implementation. Consequently, the results suggest that the thematic instruction design in the study can be used to help achieve the desired outcomes of the K to 12 Science Curriculum.

Effect of science camp for enhancing STEM skills of gifted young scientists

Programs and educational practices that enable gifted students to conduct science activities and develop themselves in engineering fields are rapidly increasing in Malaysia. One of them is the science camp to improve STEM skills. This study investigates the effectiveness of science camp (Junior Science Camp) towards young children’s understanding and knowledge about science. One hundred and three children aged four to six years old participated in the three-day camp. Mixed research model was used in this research. Data were collected by Junior Science Camp Scientist Test (JSCST) as pre and post-test, parent evaluation of the camp. Questions in the pre and post-test wereon the content in the five camp modules: I am an engineer, I am a scientist, I am a chemist, I am a forensic scientist, and I am a natural scientist. Data from the open-ended question in the survey (parent evaluation) were used to triangulate the quantitative data from the pre and post-test. Findings showed that the camp was effective in enhancing the young children’s (preschoolers’) understanding about science and increasing their knowledge about science and STEM fields. Implications of this study are related to the design of future science camps and also the methodology and instruments of future research.

The development of web based inquiry as online science inquiry environment

This paper studies a research in the design and development of web based inquiry as online science inquiry environment. The web based inquiry is constructed to help junior high school students in understanding everyday science phenomena with guided inquiry framework and various sources of scaffolding. Furthermore, it is aimed to support teacher in designing their inquiry virtual class for new normal studying era. This study used 4-D development consisting define, design, develop, and disseminate as research method. At the beginning, it is stated about inquiry theoretical framework and online science inquiry environment underpinning for designing the web based inquiry, describe the features and components of the system, and explain workflow of web based inquiry’s instruction. Web based inquiry went through expert judgement with positive feedback. Afterwards, web evaluation questionnaire is distributed to science junior high school teacher to underline their perception regarding web based inquiry. The result of web evaluation questionnaire gained over 80% positive response. Therefore, web based inquiry can be used for both teacher and students in learning science with appropriate content navigation and layout.

Enhancing the Achievement in Physics’ Motion Concept through Online Multiple Intelligence Learning Approach

The complexity of physics concepts in online learning environment probably will only benefit certain group of students. Thus, there are suggestions that the approach of delivering physics concepts in online learning environment shoud be conducted in various ways. The purposed of research was to investigate the effect of online multiple intelligence-based learning on achievement in physics’ motion concept among 10th grade students. The one group pre-test and post-test design were used in this research with purposive sampling, with 30 students in a science junior high school in Malaysia. In the research, the data were obtained from Multiple Intelligence Test and Physics Force and Motion Concept Test, which were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and non-parametric test Wilcoxon and Friedman. The findings reveal that online multiple intelligence-based learning had an effect on the achievement in physics’ force and motion concepts with mathematical logic and Intrapersonal intelligence group performed significantly better than others.

Change Is Inevitable

Change Is Inevitable

A Letter from the Editorial Board


 
 Dear readers,
 After a year of developments, we are proud to present the Spring 2017 Columbia Undergraduate Science Journal. The current edition of the journal features topics from all over the natural sciences. This year, our main focus regarding the Journal was to extend the reach of the journal to universities all over the world. As the CUSJ’s mission is to encourage students to involve themselves in scientific discovery, we saw no need to restrict our scope to only Columbia University. We received submissions from diverse areas such as biochemistry, astrophysics, and electrical engineering.
 
 
 
 
 Our team also published the second issue of the Columbia Junior Science Journal, a journal meant to introduce high school researchers to the world of research publication. After making changes to the previous Columbia Research Scholars Journal to better reflect the mission of the journal, we were proud to publish many of the incredible submissions sent in from high schoolers from around the United States, and invite several of them to our annual Spring Symposium.
 In addition to producing the two research journals for high school and college students, the CUSJ also seeks to foster the undergraduate research community at Columbia University. This year, we worked hard to further this goal by hosting several events on campus. In the Fall, the CUSJ hosted an event to assist undergraduate students in the process of soliciting a research position. In the Spring, the CUSJ hosted Dr. George Yancopoulos, founder of Regeneron and chief scientific officer, and held the annual symposium.
 This year’s the CUSJ Spring Research Symposium involved a welcome address from Dr. Gasperov, the undergraduate science research adviser at Columbia University, as well as a poster session where students presented on their research. The Awards of Excellence this year went to Nicholas Page from Rutgers University and Sarah Lundell from Fordham University.
 This Spring, the CUSJ also established the CUSJ Colloquium, a bi-weekly undergraduate speaker series where students from an array of scientific disciplines presented their research in a comfortable peer setting. Students discussed topics in research subjects including two-dimensional materials, exoplanets, biofilms, viral binding, ophthalmology, and photosynthetic origins of life.
 Our publications, the CUSJ and CJSJ, and the events we hosted this year could not have happened without the hard work of our editorial team and the assistance of our faculty board and advisors.
 Natalie Kolba, Editor-in-Chief Osman Moneer, President
 

Developing Mathematical Students Worksheet Based On Islamic Values Using Contextual Approach

Development of worksheets looks like the beginning of the problems found in schools, students have difficulty to understanding mathematical material both calculation concepts and moral values that have not been well organized. Worksheet designed with using a contextual approach which contains collaboration between material and verses relating to the used material, so that moral values related to the material are obtained and equipped with the application of moral values in the form of problem examples. After being designed, product is developed to be LKPD. The study objectives include: To develop a Mathematics LKPD based on Islamic values on the subject of algebraic. As a result of the study, the development of Student Worksheet (LKPD) based on Islamic values using a contextual approach to the subject of algebraic in class VII of the Qur'an Science Junior High School Minhajuth Thullab Pekalongan. The research uses the 4D development model consists of 4 main stages: Define, Design, Develop and Disseminate. The response of teachers to LKPD based on Islamic values with using a contextual approach on the subject of the algebra score 82% with very interesting criteria. The responses of students to LKPD obtained a score of 80 % with very decent criteria.

Designing PISA Like Problems for West Sumatra Mathematics and Science Junior High School Teachers

PISA (Program for International Students Assessment) test result on 2018 put Indonesia in the 72th position of 78 countries. The report showed the importance to improve the level of students thinking ability. There are many possible ways to develop students’ thinking. One way to do that is by giving the students drill to solve PISA problems. However, this solution is difficult to implement because designing PISA problems is difficult for the teachers. Therefore, 24 junior high school mathematics and science teachers ware selected in order to give them training and workshop to improve their ability to design PISA like problems using action research methods. Three stages ware implemented in the training and workshop. First, introduction to PISA, Second, designing PISA Problems, and third, trying out and evaluating the test result. Product of the workshop are 48 PISA like problems of mathematics and 42 PISA like problems of science.

The Capacity to Think Critical Students to the Matter Environmental Management with the Approach Skill the Process of Science Junior High School (SMPN) 14 Ambon

The Capacity to Think Critical Students to the Matter Environmental Management with the Approach Skill the Process of Science Junior High School (SMPN) 14 Ambon

The feasibility and readability test of stem-based integrated science teaching book model themed “blood as transportation system on our body”

This study aims to examine the feasibility and the readability tests of STEM-Based Integrated Science Teaching Book Model Themed “Blood as Transportation System on Our Body”. The research was done on using quantitative descriptive methods. The subjects were 60 8th Junior High School Students and 8 Science Junior High School Teachers. The feasibility tests were done based on BSNP assessment guidelines. The research showed that the qualities of science teaching book are feasible to use as resources and guidance for students. It was also found that the ease of understanding and reading makes this book acceptable and liked by students.

Stauts of International Junior Science Olympaid and Chemistry field tendency of questions

Stauts of International Junior Science Olympaid and Chemistry field tendency of questions

Development and Validation of Organismal Classification Achievement Test (OCAT): Basis for Implementation and Standardization for Test Construction in Junior Science High School

Development and Validation of Organismal Classification Achievement Test (OCAT): Basis for Implementation and Standardization for Test Construction in Junior Science High School

Measuring students' interest towards engineering in technical school: A case study

Estimating from the steady declining rate of engineering students in Malaysia, the country is predicted to be short of 236,000 engineers and technical personnel to achieve its 2020 Mission. Hence, it has built the first technical MARA Junior Science College that introduced engineering to lower secondary students. However, there is yet a study on whether or not it helps the students to increase their interests in engineering. Therefore, in this paper, a survey has been conducted to first and foremost investigate the technical students’ interests in engineering as well as finding out the reasoning from those who are not interested in engineering. After that, a half day engineering program is introduced with a measurement on the interest in engineering before and after the intervention is held. Finally, the survey studies which field of engineering the students are most interested in. The results show that, before the program is introduced, only 8.47% of the technical students have shown high interests in engineering field with only 7.5% female students are interested in engineering compared to 18.42% for male students. After the program is introduced, as high as 33.05% students rated their interest in engineering field as ‘most interested’, with 39.47% in male students and 30% in female students. It proves that an engineering event is crucial in increasing students’ interests in engineering. It also concludes that EE is the most favourite field of engineering with percentage score of 38.98%, while EP being the least.

Teacher Leadership Model: Roles and Values

This project paper aimed at identifying the dimensions for teacher leadership model. The instrument used to measure the dimensions was adapted from Teacher Leadership Self-Assessment (TLSA) by Katzenmeyer and Moller (2009). This measurement tool consists of 47 items distributed into seven dimensions namely 1) self-awareness, 2) leading change, 3) communication, 4) diversity, 5) instructional proficiency and leadership, 6) continuous improvement, and 7) self-organization. This project paper involved 130 teachers of Mara Junior Science Colleges in the state of Kelantan, Malaysia. Structural Equation Modelling technique was utilized to perform the required statistical analysis of the survey data. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were carried out to substantiate the dimensions used. Based on the EFA and CFA, 4 dimensions are relevant for teacher leadership practice in Malaysian setting with 28 items identified to have high value of validity and reliability. The four dimensions are labelled as 1) self-awareness, 2) communication and change, 3) diversity and instructional proficiency, and 4) organized and continuous improvement. These dimensions could be characterized as values or roles of teacher leaders.