DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE CONCEPTS ON LIGHT AND VISION FOR MATHAYOM 3 STUDENTS USING INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING MANAGEMENT WITH THE PHET SIMULATION PROGRAM

Abstract

This research aims to 1) implement inquiry-based learning along with the PhET simulation program to develop the scientific concepts of grade 9 students; and 2) study on an inquiry-based learning with the PhET simulation program to develop the scientific concepts of grade 9 students. The research participants are 25students in the first semester of the academic year 2023. The research tools included: An inquiry-based learning plan (5E) integrated with the PhET simulation program on light and vision; A Scientific Concept Assessment on light and vision with difficulty levels ranging from 0.35 to 0.72 and discrimination indices ranging from 0.21 to 0.58, with a reliability coefficient of 0.88.; Student Reflective Journal and Teacher Reflection Logs. The research findings are as follows: the implementation of inquiry-based learning with the PhET simulation program for grade 9 students was effective, with an overall efficiency of 75 out of 80, s urpassing the standard of 70 out of 70. After participating in the inquiry-based learning with the PhET simulation program, students demonstrated an improvement in their scientific concepts related to light and vision. Specifically, 52% of students had Scientific Understanding (SU), 40% had Partially Scientific Understanding (PU), 4% had Partially Understanding and Partially Incorrect Understanding (PU/SM), and 2% had Scientific Misunderstanding (SM). Before the lesson, students had an average score of 1.60 for scientific concepts, which increased to 42.20 after the lessons. The developmental index was 69.52, indicating a high level of development. Recommendations for future research using simulation programs in teaching include setting clear learning objectives, assessing students' understanding, providing opportunities for hands-on exploration, encouraging questioning, promoting creativity, and conducting assessments to measure student progress and learning outcomes.