Understanding Of Science Concepts Research Articles

Development of Multiplechoice Test Instruments to Improve Scientific Literacy in Madrasah Aliyah (MA)

The ability to analyze and interpret scientific information is very important in the era of advanced technology. For Madrasah Aliyah (MA) students, scientific literacy is crucial for academic and future achievements, including understanding scientific concepts, interpreting data, making decisions, and communicating scientific ideas. Although scientific literacy is important, many MA students face challenges due to traditional teaching methods and inappropriate assessment. This research aims to develop and measure a multiplechoice test instrument for MA students' scientific literacy, empirically validated to improve science education and prepare students to face the modern world. Research and development (research and development) with 3D models (Define, Design, Development). Focus on scientific literacy questions with PISA indicators. Overall, it shows that the instruments used are very good and valid, and provide a positive picture of students' scientific literacy abilities, although there are still certain areas that need to be improved. Questions with poor power differences need to be repaired or replaced, and questions with sufficient power differences need to be revised. Low scores in explaining scientific phenomena require additional guidance. Regular monitoring and revision is important to maintain the quality of the instrument. This instrument is valid and reliable, but continuous improvement is needed.

Pathways to Early Science Literacy: Investigating the Different Role of Language and Reading Skills in Science Literacy Among Early Primary School Children

The purpose of this study is to examine the distinct roles of language and reading skills in science literacy among primary school students through a qualitative approach. Science literacy, defined as an understanding of scientific concepts and processes, and the capacity to apply them in everyday life, is a crucial competency for students in the modern era. This research employed a case study method, with data collection techniques comprising in-depth interviews, classroom observations and document analysis. The findings indicate that language skills play a pivotal role in assisting students in comprehending and communicating scientific concepts in an effective manner. The aforementioned skills encompass an individual's capacity to comprehend and employ scientific terminology, construct sentences with correct grammatical structures, and convey ideas in a clear and logical manner. In contrast, reading abilities are pivotal for students to obtain, comprehend and integrate information from diverse sources, including scientific texts. Well-developed reading abilities facilitate students to understand intricate scientific texts, construct arguments supported by evidence and draw inferences from available data. This research offers insights into the development of language and reading skills holistically, with the aim of improving science literacy among primary school students. It also emphasises the importance of an integrated and comprehensive teaching approach in science education.

Investigating the Effects of Virtual Laboratories on Students’ Motivation and Attitudes Toward Science

Allowing students to practice science inquiry in the classroom is fundamental for science education. Students should master investigation skills, promoting their understanding of science concepts. Virtual laboratories have emerged as a powerful interactive tool that can be a suitable alternative to real laboratories, especially when lacking enough equipment and safety measures. This mixed approach study investigates the effects of virtual science laboratories on students’ motivation and attitude toward science (ATS). Students (n = 237) from grades (7, 8, 9, 10, and 11) were surveyed to evaluate their virtual laboratory experience in an American curriculum private school in Dubai with the theoretical basis of motivation theories. The study reported that virtual laboratories positively impact students’ overall motivation in terms of intrinsic motivation, perceived usefulness (U), effort (E), perceived self-efficacy (SE), and ATS. Students, perceived SE and U significantly impact student attitudes toward science (p < 0.001). Students’ perceived SE is a predictor of their E in the laboratory by 6.1%. Students with high SE put more E into completing a virtual laboratory task than students with low SE.

Integrating RADEC Model and AI to Enhance Science Literacy: Student Perspectives

This study aims to evaluate the use of the RADEC Model supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing students' science literacy. The research methodology involves data collection through student questionnaires, which include questions related to their understanding of scientific concepts, contexts, and attitudes after using the RADEC Model. Data analysis employs descriptive statistical techniques to assess students' agreement levels regarding the provided statements. The results indicate that most students exhibit high levels of agreement regarding the effectiveness of the RADEC Model in enhancing their understanding of science concepts, boosting learning motivation, facilitating problem-solving, and developing critical thinking skills. Positive impacts are also observed in improving student engagement in collaborative discussions and increasing their interest in further exploration of science. This research makes a significant contribution by highlighting the importance of integrating AI technology into educational approaches to enhance students' science literacy, with broad implications for improving the quality of science education in the future. In conclusion, the integration of the AI-based RADEC Model is an innovative step to increase the effectiveness of science learning in elementary schools, so prospective elementary school teachers must be able to master this technology to provide personalized learning experiences and improve students' science literacy.

Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Inquiry untuk Meningkatkan Pemahaman Konsep IPA di MTsN 1 Kepulauan Sula (Suatu Penelitian Tindakan Kelas)

This research aims to improve the understanding of science concepts among students at MTsN 1 Kepulauan Sula through the application of the inquiry learning model. This Classroom Action Research was conducted in three cycles, with 29 eighth-grade students as research subjects. Data was collected through concept understanding tests, learning observations, and interviews. The results show an improvement in students' understanding of science concepts from cycle I to cycle III, with the class average score increasing from 65.8 to 78.5, and the percentage of students reaching the Minimum Competency Criteria increasing from 48% to 79%. Student activity in learning also showed improvement, evident from increased participation in group discussions, ability to ask questions, and formulate hypotheses. Challenges in applying the inquiry model, such as limited resources and adaptation to local context, were addressed through the use of local materials and contextualization of learning materials. This study concludes that the inquiry learning model, with appropriate adaptations, is effective in improving students' understanding of science concepts in Indonesia's outer island regions. These findings have important implications for efforts to improve the quality of science learning in similar areas.

Development of Aquarium Weather Diorama Media (Aquaca) for Understanding Science Concepts in Elementary School

This research aims to develop learning media using Aquaca Diorama Media (weather aquarium). The AQUACA diorama uses aquarium glass, bright colors, and attractive images. The use of learning media in the learning process is expected to increase student participation in presenting and interpreting teaching material more excitingly. This research uses an R&D (research and development) approach. The development model that will be used in this research to develop learning media is the Borg and Gall model. The results were researched on developing R&D (Research and Development) for educational aquaca diorama media in learning. This is proven by the excellent response from students who have witnessed and practiced directly the water cycle process using dioara aquaca (Weather Aquarium) media. This media can increase students' focus on the material being presented. Of course, students will more easily understand the essence of the learning being delivered.

What can children do with the Anthropocene?

The Anthropocene is a geo-stratigraphic unit of the upper Earth’s layers, impacted by human disturbances, but also humankind’s historical record, and children’s place to live on. It is an unfinished narrative. This study explores how garden and soil-related activities with kindergarten children, guided by well-informed teachers, may have the potential to overcome some gaps of understanding of complex, interrelated concepts related to the Anthropocene and regenerative gardening. Within a framework of environmental citizenship, this qualitative study uses interdisciplinary, interactive and participatory approaches to explore inquiry-based activities based on observations, conversations, photos and videos. As participants in related processes, children may gradually develop garden skills, ecological knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts. The study may empower children and their teachers to contribute actively and positively to the ongoing narrative of the Anthropocene; to a more sustainable formation of the Earth’s upper layer; and to countering climate change.

Analysis of Science Process Skills of Junior High School Students

Natural Sciences (IPA) emphasizes students' science process skills in every learning process. However, looking at the facts in the field when studying science, students still tend to memorize concepts, theories, and principles without understanding the discovery process. This has an impact on the ongoing learning process being uninteresting so that students become bored and ultimately causes students' understanding of science concepts to become low. This research aims to determine the quality of science process skills of class VII students at Kanda Middle School. The research method used is quantitative. The population is all class VII students at Kanda Middle School, totaling 46 people, while the sample in this study was 23 students taken by random sampling. The instruments used are performance that assesses practicum activities as well as interview guidelines used to gather information from science teachers. Data were analyzed using the percentage value formula. This research concludes that the science process skills of class VII Kanda State Middle School students have a percentage of 70.01% in the skilled category.

Young Children’s Self-Regulated Learning Benefited from a Metacognition-Driven Science Education Intervention for Early Childhood Teachers

The two goals of this study are to examine the impact of an early childhood teacher’s metacognition-driven, place-based science teaching professional development (PD) intervention and to explore the association between science teaching and environment quality and children’s self-regulated learning. A total of 110 children (Mage = 60 months) and 20 teachers from preschools and kindergartens in rural regions of Idaho, U.S., participated in this mixed-methods study between August 2022 and May 2023. Children’s and teachers’ pre-test and post-test data were collected using validated observation tools, surveys, and reflection journals. The results from repeated measures ANOVA and linear mixed regression show that there were statistically significant increases in children’s self-regulated learning scores and teachers’ science teaching efficacy and metacognitive knowledge, but not metacognitive regulation skill scores post-PD. Thematic analysis revealed evidence about children’s learning interests and inquiry skills, and that science activities supported children’s learning in other subjects and developmental domains (e.g., literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional skills). Our results indicate the potential for supporting young children’s self-regulated learning by training teachers to implement a developmentally appropriate, hands-on science curriculum that focuses on reflective thinking and a holistic understanding of science concepts and process skills.

Exploring the effect of directive and reflective feedback on elementary school students’ scientific conceptual understanding, epistemological beliefs, and inquiry performance in online inquiry activities

Exploring the effect of directive and reflective feedback on elementary school students’ scientific conceptual understanding, epistemological beliefs, and inquiry performance in online inquiry activities

The Relationship Between Learning Activities and the Ability to Understand Natural Science Concepts in Class V

This research aims to: 1) Describe the relationship between student learning activities and understanding of science concepts in the material of changes in the shape of objects. The research used is correlation or relationship research with a quantitative approach. The population in this study were all 5th grade students at SDN 14 Kuala Selakau with a total of 26 students. The sampling technique used was the saturated sampling technique. Saturated sampling technique is a sample determination technique when all members of the population are used as samples. Data were analyzed univariately with a significance level of 5% (0.05). For hypothesis testing, a prerequisite test was used, namely the normality test using the Chi square formula. The results of the research show that: 1) There is a relationship between learning activities and students' understanding of science concepts in the material on changes in the shape of point objects with the criteria for the strength of the relationship being in the very strong category with a correlation coefficient of 0.98. Understanding students' concepts provides a coefficient of 97.81% for student learning activities and the remaining 2.19% is influenced by other factors. Thus, it can be concluded that if the student's learning activities are good, the higher the student's understanding of science concepts, or conversely, the lower the student's learning activities, the lower the student's understanding of science concepts.

PENGARUH PENDEKATAN PEMBELAJARAN DAN KREATIVITAS TERHADAP PEMAHAMAN KONSEP IPA DI SEKOLAH DASAR

Learning approach is the starting point or point of view of the learning process, because it is necessary to design an interactive learning process, inspiring, fun, challenging, and motivating learners to actively participate and provide enough space for innovation, creativity, and independence in accordance with flair , interests, and physical and psychological development of learners. This study was a quasi-experimental study. Analysis of the data used is the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two lanes. The purpose of research to determine: 1) The difference between the students understanding of science concepts are learned with PKP-MD with students who learned with PK-ME, 2) Differences in understanding science concepts among students who have high creativity with students who have low creativity, 3) Difference understanding of science concepts among students who choose a high creativity that learned with PKP-MD with students who have high creativity learned with PK-ME, 4) differences between students understanding of science concepts, who has a low creativity that learned with PKP-MD with students who have low creativity learned with PK-ME, 5) interaction using PKP-MD and PK-ME with creativity to the understanding of science concepts. The results showed the following findings: 1) Understanding the concept of science students who learned with PKP-MD different from the students who learned with PK-ME, 2) understanding the concept of science students who have high creativity differently than students who have low creativity, 3 ) Understanding the concept of science students who have high creativity learned with PKP-MD differ from students who have high creativity learned with PK-ME, 4) Understanding the concept of science students who have low creativity learned with PKP-MD is relatively the same as students who have low creativity learned with PK-ME, 5) There is no significant interaction between the use of PFM-MD and PK-ME with creativity to the understanding of science concepts. Keywords : learning approach, creativity, understanding of concepts

Three-Dimensional Science Animation Implementation and Spatial Ability for Science Concept Reconstruction: A Gender-Based Education Study

Spatial abilities are essential to individual life and development, but gender differences in these abilities, especially in multimedia learning, are of concern. This research aims to examine the influence of gender and type of multimedia on learning outcomes in Natural Sciences (IPA) while still controlling for the influence of spatial abilities. This research uses a quantitative approach with experimental methods. The research sample consisted of 164 students. Data were collected through multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) techniques using SPSS software. Data analysis was conducted using the MANCOVA technique to test the influence of the independent variables (gender and type of multimedia) on the dependent variable (science learning outcomes) by controlling spatial ability as a covariate. Spatial ability has an overall significant influence on science learning outcomes. Boys consistently performed better than girls in all learning tasks, regardless of multimedia type. Girls also tend to prefer 3D learning media to understand science concepts. This research provides empirical evidence about the separate gender effects of spatial ability when learning using 2D static learning multimedia and 3D animation. The implication is that educational policymakers can pay attention to differences in gender preferences when choosing multimedia learning types to increase the effectiveness of science learning.

Profile of Pre-service Physics Teachers' Representational Fluency on Electrostatic Concept

Science teachers have to master representational to communicate and be aware of the students’ difficulties in understanding science concepts. This study aims to determine representational fluency as part of science communication skills in pre-service physics teachers. This study uses descriptive analysis techniques based on the percentage. The research subjects are 50 pre-service physics teachers aged between 19 and 22 years. This study was conducted at the Study Program of Physics Education of a college in Maluku. How fluent is a pre-service physics teacher in representing the concept of electrostatic was measured using 15 valid and reliable representational fluency multiple choice test that includes four component of representational fluency: constructing single representation, constructing multiple representation, translating between representation and reviewing single representation. The findings of the present study indicate that although students had started to learn concepts of electrostatic their representational fluency is still low. The preservice teachers’ rate of giving correct answers to the test items varies between 8% and 48%. The mean score of the pre-service teachers was found to be 4.06. Keywords: representational fluency, electrostatic

Science and language education: emergent bilinguals engage in modeling, explanation and argumentation for sense-making

This is a qualitative case study framed by a sociosemiotic theoretical framework to explore science and language instruction with three Emergent Bilinguals (EBs) in sixth grade. The study details the modeling and explanatory processes used by EBs to mediate science learning through evidence-based argumentation. A thematic analysis of students’ models, explanations and arguments was conducted. Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) modeling and explanatory processes evolved from illustrative to causal purpose, (2) students engaged in discursive practices similar to scientific communities, and (3) students mediated science learning through evidence-based argumentation. The three themes revealed that when EBs are taught through integrated science and language instruction they are provided with opportunities to approximate the discipline-specific language register of science through three language functions: ideational, interpersonal and textual. Modeling and explaining scaffolded evidence-based argumentation tasks through which EBs critiqued each other’s models and explanations and revised their conceptual understanding of science concepts to increase sense-making. Implications suggest integrated content and language instruction to provide students with experiential learning opportunities while affording discourse and interactive opportunities on a larger scale and via other research methodologies to include a larger sample size of EBs.

The Relationship between Concept Perception and Student Achievement in the Subject Area of Chemistry in Science

Science education has undergone many reforms since the past to improve the learning and teaching process. Teachers' knowledge and motivation, and teachers' teaching techniques, determine how students understand science concepts. In the journey of taking students to innovations in education, the teacher who provides science education in the classroom has a great responsibility (Research and Development Branch, 2017). It is also necessary to identify the problems faced by students in building science education. The analysis of the examination department's results and evaluation reports shows that compared to other subjects, the minimum mark is obtained for the science subject. The Sri Lanka Examination Department's 2017 G.E.C. (G.E.) evaluation report also shows that among the three fields of science, biology, chemistry, and physics, the facility for the field of chemistry is low. For this reason, it was the main interest of this research to find out the correlation between student performance and conceptual understanding of students who learn the content of the chemistry subject of the science subject. For that purpose, the size of the sample was determined using the table of determination of the sample size presented by Krejcie & Morgan (1970) and the correlational study research strategy using 400 students of 08 secondary schools in the Kegalle district of Sri Lanka selected through a cluster random sampling method as the sample. The research was conducted using a quantitative design. For this, Katerina Salta & Chryssa Tzougraki (2004) used an aptitude test set according to the Liket scale and a structured type of achievement test set according to Bloom's classification to find out the level of concept perception of 11th grade students in a school in Greece. A control test was administered to 10% of the research instrument sample. By analyzing the data collected, the research instruments were standardized. Then by giving the research equipment to the main sample, the collected data was analyzed, and conclusions were drawn from the data interpretation. Here, a positive correlation of Pearson correlation coefficient (r= + 0.720) was found between students' conceptual understanding and student achievement. It was recognized that appropriate student-centered methods should be used in the learning and teaching process as student achievement increases when students' conceptual understanding increases.

Pengaruh Media Pembelajaran dan Minat Belajar Siswa terhadap Penguasaan Konsep Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam

This study aimed to investigate the influence of learning media and learning interest on the mastery of Science concepts among fifth-grade elementary school students. Data were collected from 60 students divided into four treatment groups, including interactive and conventional learning media, as well as high and low learning interest. Data analysis employed statistical tests, including tests for normality, homogeneity, and hypotheses. The results indicated that both learning media and students' learning interest significantly influenced the mastery of Science concepts. Interactive learning media and high learning interest had a significant impact on Science concept mastery, with respective significance values of 0.019 and 0.003. However, the interaction between learning media and students' learning interest did not significantly affect Science concept mastery. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of learning media and learning interest in enhancing students' understanding of Science concepts. The implications of these findings can be utilized to develop more effective learning strategies to improve Science concept mastery in elementary schools.

Enhancing the Science Process Skills through Phet Simulation

The aim of this study was to understand the science process skills among IX standard students with respect to Phet simulation. Science education is much important to understand day to day life concepts and develops problem solving skills of the students. The single group design was adopted during the experiment. The investigator adopted purposive sampling technique for this study. The sample consists of 30 Students. Generally, science process skills are essential to understand science concepts. The science process skills are classified basic and integrated process skills. The concept of chemical bonding in class IX is little complex to understand. To teach the concept, teacher needs an effective method. So, the investigator has adopted Phet simulation to understand the science process skills. Science process skills are the competencies and techniques of scientific methods which is necessary and sufficient condition to discover scientific knowledge. Phet simulations are interactive simulations that may scaffold the students to understand the concepts in terms of science process skills. This proposed study helped the science teacher to modify his or her instructional strategies with technical support and also for enhancing the performance of students in science subject.

Science Process Skills to Improve Learning Outcomes of Elementary School Students

The study aims to investigate the impact of implementing a science process skills approach on the learning outcomes of elementary school students in science subjects. The research adopts a pre-experimental design with a one-group pre-test and post-test design. Data collection is conducted through observation, tests, and documentation, with data analysis using descriptive and inferential methods. The results show that the use of the science process skills approach significantly improves students' learning outcomes in science. There is a significant change from low to high scores after the implementation of this approach, indicating its effectiveness in enhancing students' understanding of science concepts. These findings provide empirical support for the success of the science process skills approach, which can serve as a basis for the development of more effective teaching practices in the future.

Increasing Activity and Science Learning Outcomes Vibrations, Waves and Sound Matter Through STAD Model

Purpose of the study: In this research aims to determine increasing activity and science learning outcomes vibrations, waves and sound matter through student teams-achievment divisions (STAD) model.
 Methodology: This research is Classroom Action Research implemented in three cycles, each cycle consisting of four stages namely planning, observation, observation and reflection. The subject of this research are students of class VIII B of Pabelan 2 Public Middle School consisting of 32 students of 16 male students and 16 female students. Research instruments include observation guide sheet, questions and documentation guidelines.
 Main Findings: The results of the research show that the student teams achievement divisions (STAD) learning model can increase the activity and learning outcomes of Class VIII B students at State Middle Schools as evidenced by the increase in student learning completeness in Cycle I, 37.5% of students have completed learning, in Cycle II, 81% of students have completed learning and Cycle III 99% of students completed their studies.
 Novelty/Originality of this study: This research contributes to research with a new foundation in understanding scientific concepts through an innovative approach using the student teams-achievement divisions (STAD) model. The unique findings highlight STAD's significant contribution in stimulating student engagement and increasing achievement of learning outcomes, bringing new nuances to science education research.