Enhancing Student Understanding of Basic Physics Concepts Through Mobile Science Experiments: A Study at Thung Kula Pittayakom School, Surin Province

Abstract

Developing effective teaching and learning strategies is crucial for enhancing student learning, particularly in science education, where hands-on activities or experiments are often necessary to facilitate student understanding of scientific concepts. However, a significant challenge faced by many schools is the lack of adequate teaching equipment, which hinders students' ability to engage in practical experimentation. This study focuses on designing and evaluating a series of fundamental physics experiments facilitated by a Mobile Science (MS) vehicle at Thung Kula Pittayakom  (TKP) School in the sub-district of Surin province. The study's primary objectives were to design engaging physics activities that enhance student learning, evaluate students' understanding of physics concepts before and after these activities, and utilize the MS vehicle to deliver the experiments.  Six physics experiments were conducted, including simple circuit assembly, multimeter usage, simple harmonic motion, friction, light refraction, and spring constant. Each activity lasted 90 minutes and involved active student participation. Student comprehension was assessed through pre-tests and post-tests administered before and after the experiments. The results indicated a statistically significant change in scores across all laboratory activities. Specifically, the post-test scores surpassed the pre-test scores in each lab, with average score increases ranging from 3.644 to 5.096 points. These indicated that the experiments' interactive, hands-on nature significantly improved students' grasp of fundamental physics concepts. MS also proved to be an efficient and effective means of organizing these activities, contributing to a positive learning experience. In conclusion, the designed physics experiments successfully engaged students in interactive, practical learning, leading to a deeper understanding of fundamental physics concepts. The MS unit was shown to be a convenient and helpful resource for conducting educational activities in schools. This study provides valuable insights for designing engaging and effective physics learning activities in the future.