Science Subjects Research Articles

Liveworksheet-Based E-LKPD and Interest in Learning Improves Science and Social Learning Outcomes for Elementary School Students

This research was motivated by students who had difficulty understanding the learning material. This impacts low student learning outcomes due to using less creative and innovative learning media in grade IV elementary school. This study aims to analyze the influence of direct worksheet-based E-LKDP and interest in learning on social studies learning outcomes for fourth-grade elementary school students. This research design uses a quantitative type of research. The research method used in this research is the correlational research method. The population in this study was 132 students. The sampling technique used in this research is Probability Sampling with the Simple Random Sampling type. The methods used to collect data are interviews, questionnaires and documentation. The instruments used in this research are questionnaires and documentation. The techniques used to analyze data are descriptive statistical analysis, analysis prerequisite tests, and hypothesis testing. The research results show that the influence of live worksheet-based E-LKPD and interest in learning on the learning outcomes of class IV students in science subjects is significant. It was concluded that live worksheet-based E-LKPD can improve the learning outcomes of class IV students in science subjects.

Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis IPAS di Sekolah Dasar

Education in Indonesia faces great challenges in improving students' critical thinking skills, especially in Natural and Social Sciences (IPAS) subjects. Conventional teaching methods that are still widely used, such as lectures, often limit student engagement and reduce their ability to solve problems. This study aims to analyze the influence of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model on students' critical thinking skills at SD Negeri 2 Dauh Puri. Using a qualitative approach with in-depth interview techniques, this study reveals that the application of PBL significantly improves students' critical thinking skills. Students become more active in learning, able to analyze problems in more depth, and collaborate in groups to find solutions. In addition, the PBL model also helps students relate the knowledge gained to real-life situations in everyday life. The discussion shows that PBL not only improves critical thinking skills, but also supports the development of 21st century skills such as creativity, collaboration, and communication. Thus, the implementation of PBL can be an effective solution in improving the quality of learning in elementary schools, preparing students to face future challenges, as well as strengthening important skills needed in daily life.

Teaching with TED: a curated set of TED Talks and discussion prompts for microbiology and cellular biology courses.

Engaging students in biology courses can be enhanced through assignments that introduce research relevant to course content. Despite their potential, such assignments are often underutilized due to the time required to identify suitable research and to create assignments. Here, we address this issue by proposing the use of TED Talks as a resource for introducing research related to scientific topics commonly taught in undergraduate biology courses. The extensive TED Talk library offers numerous options, but selecting appropriate content can be daunting for instructors. Here, we provide a curated set of TED Talks and field-tested discussion prompts aimed specifically for Microbiology and Cellular Biology courses. These assignments were implemented in both asynchronous online and synchronous in-person formats using discussion board forums, although alternative assignment formats can be easily adapted. Student feedback about these activities indicates that TED Talks helped students connect classroom material to real-world applications and enhanced their overall learning experience. Overall, TED Talks are an enjoyable and versatile tool to diversify biology curricula, relate content to real-world issues, and improve student engagement and comprehension. Here, we provide a framework of TED Talks and discussion prompts that instructors can adapt to their courses.

Exploring the Influence of Parental Personality Types on Children’s Academic Choices

The academic decisions that children make are frequently influenced by several different circumstances. One of the most important yet understudied aspects of this is the influence of the personality types of their parents. The objective of this report is to understand how parental personalities may impact a child's inclination towards science or art subjects. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Test was used for parents to indicate the relationship between parental personality type and the academic choices made by their children, particularly in the field of science and art. The results indicated that children from the INTJ, INFJ, and ENFJ parents’ personality types, are likely to choose science subjects, while children from ENTJ parents’ personality types choose art subjects. This sheds light on the association between parental personality types and children's academic choices; aiding educators and policymakers better tailor educational approaches to accommodate diverse student needs and aspirations.

PENGARUH LITERASI MEMBACA TERHADAP PRESTASI BELAJAR SISWA KELAS VIII MATA PELAJARAN ILMU PENGETAHUAN SOSIAL DI SMP NEGERI 34 KOTA BEKASI

This research aims to determine the effect of reading literacy on the learning achievement of eighth-grade students in the subject of Social Sciences (IPS) at SMP Negeri 34 in Bekasi City. In this study, the method used is a quantitative method with a descriptive approach. The sampling technique used is random sampling taken from the total population of class VIII A-I randomly, with a total sample of 79 students. The analysis technique used is simple linear regression. The results of the analysis of the coefficient of determination test in the model summary show an R square value of 0.135, which means that the influence of reading literacy on student learning achievement is 13.5%. The theoretical and practical implications suggest that by developing reading materials, schools should ensure the availability of relevant and engaging reading sources to enhance reading literacy activities at SMP Negeri 34 in Bekasi City. This research makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the critical role of reading skills in improving the academic performance of eighth-grade students in Social Studies

Research trends of science process skills in Indonesian science education journals

Science process skills (SPS) are considered essential for scientific and technological eras nowadays. This study aims to provide information on how SPS in Indonesia have been researched from 2016 to 2022, including the number of studies conducted, research designs used, frequently addressed science topics, interventions, assessment instruments used, and data analysis techniques applied. We applied content analysis across numerous science education journals authored in Indonesia over 7 years. The analysed articles were filtered from 14 Indonesian science education journals selected from the SINTA database with SINTA 1-6 index ratings. Articles were searched using keywords such as "Science Process Skills and Science Education" and the selection resulted in the review of 86 articles. This up-to-date research has revealed a fluctuation in the number of articles mainly focused on SPS from year to year. Among those articles, quantitative research was the researchers' most popular method for examining SPS. 8th grade Junior High School (JHS) and 10th grade Senior High School (SHS) pupils were frequently chosen as study participants. The most frequently selected topic for the study of SPS were physics (38%), biology (33%), chemistry (9%), and unidentified topics (20%). Inquiry-based learning was the most common research focus, with test sheets and t-tests being the most frequently utilised for analysing data. This SPS review research is important to provide results to identify future areas of research and promote the development of SPS in science education. Several suggestions for future studies on SPS have been made based on the study's outcomes.

An Examination of the Influence of Soviet Educational Policies on the Evolution of Nationalism in the USSR

The role nationalism played in the collapse of the USSR always attracted much heated debate among historians and its importance ranged from irrelevant to contributory. This essay includes not only the importance of nationalism in the fall of the USSR but also the influence of Soviet education on the evolution of nationalism. The essay systematically scrutinizes the educational policies, institutions, and major reforms from 1917 to 1991 and analyzes the effectiveness of education, including history (the major social science subject) and the use of language, in controlling the development of nationalism. The Soviet education was to a large degree failing in controlling the development of nationalist sentiment, because of that the effort to build a transnational proletarian union was upset by the rhetoric of Russian chauvinism and nationalism and volatile policies about the language used in education from Koreniztsiya to Russification sent a warning signal to national minorities in the Soviet Union from Baltic states to Central Asian republics. The nationalism contributed to significant separatism in Georgia and the Baltic states, but its role was insignificant in the deterioration of allegiance to the Union in key republics, such as Ukraine and Russia.

Introduction pages, Nova Geodesia 4(4), 2024

Nova Geodesia (https://novageodesia.ro), Issue 4, Volume 4, 2024: The papers published in this issue represent interesting novelties in different topics of geodetic science or related fields. Nova Geodesia publishes significant papers in geodesy and close topics related to cartography, engineering projects and construction, planetology, hydrography, geography, sociodemographic factors, urban administration, planning and environment, landscape, biodiversity, and ecology. Among the exciting articles, we invite readers to find news about: Evaluating the performance of various models for deriving orthometric heights using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data; Carbon stocks under different land cover types in the Hallaydeghe wildlife reserve, northeastern Ethiopia; Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) yield and water use efficiency depending on planting techniques and soil mulching in drought-prone areas, Babile District, Ethiopia; Colour selection in Lantana camara L. blooms: A study on butterfly attraction; Assessment of treatment water effects on macrobenthic invertebrates in an urban stream; Influence of geographical provenance, biostimulatory treatments and their interaction on the seed germination of Quercus robur L.

Attitude toward body donation among the non-medical support staffs in a tertiary care center of Eastern India

Background: Anatomy is a basic fundamental subject of medical science. Cadaveric dissection is an essential part of the anatomy teaching-learning process to provide detailed in-depth knowledge about the structural organization of organs in human the body to medical students. Human cadavers are mainly obtained by the body donation program, but the rate of body donation is not adequate in various parts of the country. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the attitude toward body donation among the non-medical support staffs in a tertiary health care setup in Eastern India. Materials and Methods: After ethical approval was obtained, a face-to-face interview was conducted among 151 non-medical support staffs using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Epicollect5 software. Results: This study revealed that 44.37% of the participants were willing to donate their bodies for medical science after their death. The willingness was relatively higher among the male population, with urban residence, higher education level, and higher income group. The main motivation toward body donation was to help society by helping medical science. The main reason behind unwillingness was being uncomfortable about donating own body. Conclusion: Target-oriented awareness program could be conducted to increase motivation toward body donation. Publicly acknowledging the body donors and showing respect to the cadaver and donor family might increase willingness toward body donation.

Can social media promote vaccination? Strategies and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine popularization on Chinese Weibo

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has shown a high severity in terms of mortality, and to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a great deal of reliance has been placed on vaccines with defensive effects. In the context of the transmission of hazardous Omicron variant strains, vaccine popularization and acceptance are very important to ensure world health security. Social media can spread information and increase public confidence in and acceptance of vaccines.MethodIn this study, weibos related to “vaccine science popularization” during the COVID-19 pandemic in China were collected, and Weibo publishers were divided into Individuals, Organizations, Media, Government, and Scientists. The communication strategies were analyzed with content analysis from the four dimensions of Issue, Topic, Frame, and Position. SnowNLP was used to mine the audience comments and to assess their emotional tendencies. Finally, hierarchical regression was used to verify the causal relationship between vaccine science popularization strategies and audiences’ emotions.ResultsWe found that the higher the scientific authority of the weibo publisher, the more positive the emotional tendency of the audience toward the weibo. Issues that are scientific, authoritative, and positive topics that positively present the advantages of the COVID-19 vaccine, and frames with detailed narratives, scientific arguments, diversified forms of presentations, and positions in support of the COVID-19 vaccine, positively affect the effect of vaccine popularization.DiscussionBased on the experience of COVID-19 vaccine promotion in China, the results may serve as a reference for promoting innovative vaccines and handling public health affairs around the world.

Exploring how generative AI contributes to the motivated engagement and learning production of science-oriented students

Generative AI is transforming the educational landscape by offering new ways for students and educators to engage in personalized, adaptive learning. Unlike traditional tools, generative AI enables students to access a vast repository of information, interact with content in real-time, and generate responses, which collectively support individualized learning pathways. This study explored the role of generative AI, particularly ChatGPT, in students’ self-directed learning (SDL) process. College students (n=15) from science-oriented programs were purposively sampled to be interviewed. Findings revealed that students used AI to enhance efficiency in completing tasks, generate content, and engage in deeper learning experiences. Students reported that AI tools, such as ChatGPT, helped break down complex subjects, provided instant feedback, and allowed them to manage learning at their own pace. These features supported autonomy, motivation, and competence, core components of SDL, by enabling students to make independent learning choices and confidently tackle challenging content. Student narratives illustrated how generative AI aided in organizing study material, understanding science topics, and even learning to troubleshoot code, which supported mastery of complex science program skills. The findings also suggested that AI tools contributed to active learning, as students engaged more meaningfully with content, enhancing their analytical and problem-solving abilities. The integration of generative AI in education may shape future pedagogical approaches, enabling educators to promote personalized and adaptive learning environments that support students' intrinsic motivation, SDL, and critical thinking.

Impact of Educational Predictors on Music Subject Selection at A-Level in Ugandan Schools: Science Education Policy and Instructional Resources

This paper investigates the key Educational Predictors particularly the impact of science education policy and the availability of instructional resources on A-level music subject selection in Ugandan secondary schools. Despite the potential of A-level music education to foster entrepreneurial skills and income-generating opportunities through avenues such as performance, teaching, and production, the Ugandan secondary education system’s emphasis on science subjects undermines the visibility and support for music subject. This prioritization not only reduces the appeal of music as a viable academic option but also limits students' access to diverse career pathways in the arts and entertainment industries. This study used a mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) approach, collecting quantitative data through a 5-point Likert scale survey and qualitative insights from interviews with students, teachers, administrators, and parents. Descriptive statistics provided an overview of respondents' perspectives, while correlation and logistic regression analyses assessed the influence of key variables. The findings revealed a significant negative relationship between the emphasis on science education policy and music subject selection, as shown by logistic regression (B = -0.651, p < 0.001). Conversely, access to instructional resources positively correlated with music selection (B = 0.527, p < 0.001). These results show the role of science education policy in discouraging music enrollment and shows the positive impact of resource availability on students’ choices. While this study focuses on schools in Uganda’s Central Region, broader research could further validate these findings. The study recommends policy adjustments to balance STEM focus with arts education, enhancing resource allocation to support diverse subject selection, including music, at the secondary level.

Comparison of Education in New Zealand and Indonesia in Science Subjects in Primary School

In New Zealand, science education is also tailored to the local context and Maori culture, which provides an additional dimension to science learning in primary school. On the other hand, Indonesia has a different approach to science education in elementary schools. The purpose of this study is to understand the differences in science education approaches in New Zealand and Indonesia and their implications for student learning outcomes in elementary schools. This study uses a comparative descriptive approach to evaluate the differences in the approach to science education in primary schools between New Zealand and Indonesia. The results of this study show that there are significant differences in the approach of science education in primary schools between New Zealand and Indonesia, which has an impact on students' learning outcomes and scientific understanding. New Zealand implements an inquiry-based learning approach supported by adequate laboratory facilities and a more ideal teacher-student ratio. This allows students to engage directly in experiments and observations, which helps them develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of science. In Indonesia, the science learning approach tends to focus on memorization and theory, with limited laboratory facilities and a large number of students per class, which limits the implementation of practice-based learning. As a result, Indonesian students have lower scientific comprehension scores, as seen in the PISA results. Differences in the quality of educational facilities, teaching methods, and time allocation for science learning in both countries are the main factors that affect student learning outcomes.

Analisis Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka pada Pembelajaran IPAS di Kelas IV Sekolah Dasar Negeri 28 Pontianak Kota

This research aims to provide an analysis in the realm of planning, implementation and obstacles in the process of implementing an independent curriculum in teaching and learning activities in science or science subjects in class IV 28 Pontianak City Elementary School. This research uses qualitative research. The data collected was obtained through interviews, observation and documentation. The subjects in this research included class IV A teachers and class IV B teachers. Next, the data was analyzed using the Miles and Huberman technique through four stages, including the process of data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. Data validity testing was carried out using technical triangulation. This research resulted in a science and science learning planning process where an educator designs teaching modules that have been adapted to independent curriculum procedures which consist of three elements including general information, core components and attachments. In the process of implementing learning, educators have implemented a learning system based on the suitability of the learning flow available in the teaching module so that learning can be carried out based on the syntax of the learning model used. The obstacles felt by educators in the process of implementing their curriculum in natural science and natural science subjects in class IV include adapting material to learning objectives, time management in carrying out teaching and learning activities, and the availability of infrastructure, for example lack of internet or WiFi network facilities and projector.

Impact of Digital Game-Based Learning on STEM education in primary schools: a meta-analysis of learning approaches

Enhancing learning outcomes in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects for primary school students remains a challenge. This meta-analysis, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), explores Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) interventions as a potential solution. Eighteen empirical studies published from 2010 to 2020 were analyzed to identify effective DGBL approaches. Key factors examined include subject disciplines, control treatment, game type, platforms, and intervention duration. Findings reveal significant positive effects of DGBL interventions on learning outcomes, particularly in mathematics, language, and science. The study underscores the importance of optimizing gameplay design and platform choices for DGBL effectiveness and highlights the potential benefits of incorporating DGBL into primary STEM education. Future research should further investigate contributing factors like game genres, technologies, implementation strategies, and specific game components to promote optimal learning processes in diverse educational settings.

Development of Lectora Inspire Based Learning Media to Improve Learning Outcomes of Light and Its Properties

This research aims to determine the feasibility of Lectora Inspire-based learning media based on assessments from media experts and material experts; determine the effectiveness of using Lectora Inspire media in science subjects. This type of research is research and development (R&D) with the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) development model. At the development stage, learning media is tested for suitability through the assessment of 1 media expert and 1 material expert. Next, the implementation stage goes through two stages, namely small-scale testing and large-scale testing. The results of the research show that the level of media appropriateness based on the assessment of media experts is in the very feasible category with a score of 91.66%, while based on the assessment of material experts it is in the category very decent with a score of 88.46%. The significance level obtained is 0.004 on a small scale and 0.00 on a large scale, which means there is a significant difference. Meanwhile, the level of effectiveness obtained on a small scale is 70% and on a large scale it is 62%, which means that the media is in the quite effective category. Therefore, the Lectora Inspire learning media is very suitable and quite effective for use in science learning, light and its properties

Effectiveness of virtual reality media based on local wisdom: Indigenous Baduy Tribe, Kasepuhan Citorek and Kesepuhan Neglasari Banten Indonesia

The application of Virtual Reality media based on local wisdom in learning Natural and Social Sciences for grade IV elementary school students, with an emphasis on the culture of the Baduy Tribe, Kasepuhan Citorek, and Kesepuhan Neglasari in Banten, Indonesia. This study is to assess how virtual reality technology can improve students' understanding and interest in Natural and Social Sciences materials related to local wisdom and customs. The results of the study indicate that the virtual reality media applied is effective in significantly improving students' understanding. The average N-Gain value of 0.85 indicates the success of the media in achieving its goals. It can be concluded that the use of virtual reality not only deepens students' understanding of Natural and Social Sciences topics related to local wisdom, but also motivates them to be more active in the learning process.

MAPPING INDONESIA’S INDIGENOUS SCIENCE AS A SCIENCE LEARNING CONTEXT IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL: A NEW PARADIGM

The integration of indigenous science into learning, especially science learning for junior high school students, is very necessary. Indigenous science can be used as a context and source for learning science. Mapping Indonesian’s indigenous science is needed to facilitate educators in utilizing and integrating into learning. This study aimed to: (1) analyze and identify junior high school science subject matter and (2) conduct analysis and identification of ethnoscience that is feasible and suitable to be used as a context for junior high school science learning. This research was conducted through literature studies with primary data sources in the form of junior high school science curriculum documents and secondary data sources in the form of documents, internet, books, proceedings, reputable international journals, international journals, and national journals. The stages of the research carried out are: (1) analyzing and identifying material in junior high school science subjects; (2) selecting and sorting material that has the potential to contain ethnoscience content; (3) make details of the subject matter, and (4) present the analysis result. This study succeeded in identifying 7 (seven) indigenous sciences along with their context and content in junior high school science materials, including: (1) Karapan Sapi Tradition from Madura, East Java; (2) Local Potential of Pottery Handicraft Center; (3) Traditional Dance "Lilin" from West Sumatra; (4) Local potential of "salted eggs" from Brebes, Central Java; (5) "Kayon" Puppet Performance Instrument; (6) Natural Potential "Belik" and (7) Dayak Traditional Clothing: King Bibinge and King Baba. Keywords: Indigenous, Learning Process, Science Education Context.

Analyzing Student Online Learning Behaviors and Academic Performance in Science Education Using Machine Learning Techniques

This study investigates the factors influencing student engagement and performance in online science education through the application of machine learning models, specifically Random Forests, Decision Trees, and Support Vector Machines (SVM). With the rapid growth of online education, understanding students' adaptability and learning behaviors has become increasingly critical. A systematic analysis of features such as study duration, daily study habits, and demographic factors revealed significant insights into their impact on academic achievement in science subjects. The Random Forest model outperformed others in classification accuracy, achieving an accuracy of 81%. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored educational strategies that foster consistent study practices and address the unique needs of diverse learners, ultimately enhancing learning outcomes in online science education.

Influence of Language Skills on Biology Instructional Process in Secondary Schools in Kenya

Biology as a core science subject enables learners to conceptualize fundamental concepts such as genetics, evolution and cellular processes that underpin all living entities. Biological knowledge is also applied in addressing global challenges in fields such as medicine, agriculture and biotechnology. However, despite its significance, there has been a dismal performance in Biology in the country and Imenti-Central Sub-county for the last five years. Student performance in the subject not only depends on content mastery but also on language proficiency. Language serves as a primary medium for communicating the subject matter making good language skills essential for comprehension and expression of Biological content. However, minimal research has been conducted on the influence of language skills on Biology instructional process thus the need to undertake this study. The study investigated the influence of language skills on Biology instructional process in secondary schools in Imenti-Central Sub-county, Meru County, Kenya. A descriptive research design was adopted for data collection and analysis. The study sampled 352 participants from a population of 2950 participants using Yamane’s formula. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically while quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using percentages and frequencies and inferentially using Chi-square test with the aid of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 computer software. Findings indicated that language skills had a significant influence on Biology instructional process. Students’ language skills were therefore essential for effective Biology instruction. Based on the findings, the study recommended establishment of language development activities to enhance students’ language skills and varied teaching methods to demystify complex Biological terms.