Implementation of PhET Simulation on Motion Material to Improve Problem Solving Skills of Middle School Students
DOI:
10.29303/jppipa.v11i8.11592Published:
2025-08-31Downloads
Abstract
This study aimed to enhance junior high school students’ problem-solving skills through the integration of PhET simulations within a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model. The research design employed was Classroom Action Research (CAR), carried out in two iterative cycles consisting of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection stages. A total of 60 Grade VII students from two parallel classes at a private junior high school in Surabaya participated in this study during the 2024–2025 academic year. Data collection involved pre-tests and post-tests for each cycle, focusing on both general learning outcomes and specific indicators of problem-solving ability. The data were analyzed quantitatively using the normalized gain (N-Gain) formula. Results showed that general learning outcomes improved from an N-Gain score of 0.29 in the first cycle (low category) to 0.69 in the second cycle (medium category). Problem-solving skills demonstrated a stronger gain, increasing from 0.47 (medium) to 0.85 (high). These improvements suggest that combining differentiated instruction and simulation-based learning effectively fosters students’ conceptual understanding and higher-order thinking. The study concludes that the PhET-assisted PBL approach is a promising instructional model to develop both cognitive and analytical competencies in science education, particularly in motion and force topics.
Keywords:
Motion Material PhET Simulation Physics Problem SolvingReferences
Akbar, R. B. W., Fadhilah, R., & Hadiarti, D. (2024). Development of Augmented Reality-Based Modules for Chemistry Bonding Materials at Taman Mulia Pontianak High School. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(12), 10109–10115. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i12.8507
Alsalhi, N. R., Ismail, A. A. K. H., Alqawasmi, A., Abdelkader, A. F. I., Alqatawneh, S., & Salem, O. (2024). The Effect of Using PhET Interactive Simulations on Academic Achievement of Physics Students in Higher Education Institutions. Educational Sciences Theory and Practice, 24(1), 65–75. https://doi.org/10.12738/jestp.2024.1.006
Ayasrah, F. T. M., Alarabi, K., Al Mansouri, M., Fattah, H. A. A., & Al-Said, K. (2024). Enhancing secondary school students’ attitudes toward physics by using computer simulations. International Journal of Data and Network Science, 8(1), 369–380. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.ijdns.2023.9.017
Baihaqi, H. K., Supahar, & Suparno. (2024). Analyzing students’ participation in carrying out scientific approach stages using diffraction and polarization e-book. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2622, 20006. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0133662
Bouchée, T., Putter-Smits, L., Thurlings, M., & Pepin, B. (2024). The design and construction of a PhET-based inquiry learning worksheet to develop understanding of the particle-in-a-box model. Physics Education, 59(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/ad11f8
Dam-O, P., Sirisathitkul, Y., Eadkhong, T., Srivaro, S., Sirisathitkul, C., & Danworaphong, S. (2024). Online physics laboratory course: United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework perspective from Walailak University, Thailand. Distance Education, 45(1), 122–140. https://doi.org/10.1080/01587919.2023.2209034
Faizah, S., Arifin, S., Rufiana, I. S., Rahayuningsih, S., Randy, M. Y., Kamaruddin, N., & Shodikin, A. (2024). The Importance of Understanding Exponent Number Concept in Science Scope: Students’ Abstraction Thinking Level in Problem Solving. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(12), 10238–10244. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i12.9328
Gea, F. F. H., Ariswan, J., & Widyasari, R. R. (2024). Student worksheets assisted by PhET simulation to determine students’ science process skills. Aip Conference Proceedings, 2622(1). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0133836
Habibbulloh, M., Satriawan, M., Zakaria, A., & Sya’roni, I. (2024). Designing e-Book of Basic Physics Fluid Series with Assistant of Virtual Laboratory to Improve Critical Thinking Skills. Physics Education Research Journal, 6(2), 75–84. https://doi.org/10.21580/perj.2024.6.2.23410
Hasnunidah, N., Fadhila, S., Yolida, B., Nadya, M., & Maulina, D. (2024). Optimizing Discovery Learning to Enhance HOTS: Why Use Argumentative Worksheets? Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(12), 10348–10358. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i12.9412
Hasyim, F., Prastowo, T., & Jatmiko, B. (2024). The effectiveness of critical thinking-independent learning (CTIL) model to improve students’ critical thinking skills on heat temperature material assisted by Android-based PhET simulations. Aip Conference Proceedings, 3116(1). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0210462
Hayati, I. A. (2019). Evaluasi Pembelajaran Fisika Menggunakan N-gain dan Interpretasinya. Penerbit Andi.
Helmi, P. C. C., & Arafah, K. (2024). Development of Physics Teaching Modules Oriented to Scientific Approach to Improve Students’ Science Process Skills. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(12), 10116–10123. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i12.8960
Istikomah, I., Arsini, A., Saputri, A. A., Jasuri, J., Susilawati, S., Fariyani, Q., & Herseptianingrum, R. (2023). Improving the Teachers Skills in Semarang City and Surrounding Areas in Using PhET Simulations Application-Based Virtual Laboratories. Dimas: Jurnal Pemikiran Agama Untuk Pemberdayaan, 23(2), 299–312. https://doi.org/10.21580/dms.2023.232.14403
Kurniawan, A., Mahmudah, R. S. N., Khairiyah, R., Lestari, P. D. A., & others. (2024). Interactive Learning Media Utilizing Google Sites on Quantum Mechanics Topic. JPI (Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia), 13(4), 885–898. https://doi.org/10.23887/jpiundiksha.v13i4.81217
Lestari, P. D., & Mansyur, J. (2021). The influence of the online PhET simulation-assisted using direct instruction on student’s conceptual understanding of parabolic motion. Journal of Physics Conference Series, 2126(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2126/1/012013
Liana, L., Kosim, K., Taufik, M., & Hikmawati, H. (2023). The Effect of Problem-Based Learning Model Assisted by PhET Simulations on Students’ Physics Problem-Solving Abilities. Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika Dan Teknologi, 9(2), 262–267. https://doi.org/10.29303/jpft.v9i2.5285
Liswar, F., Hidayati, A., Rayendra, R., & Yeni, F. (2023). Use of Phet Interactive Simulation Software in Physics Learning. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(SpecialIssue), 135–142. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9ispecialissue.5982
Luchembe, D., & Shumba, O. (2022). Employing Practical Work, Computer Simulations and Feedback: Promoting Introductory Physics Students’ Learning of Circular and Rotational Motion. African Journal of Research in Mathematics Science and Technology Education, 26(3), 260–274. https://doi.org/10.1080/18117295.2022.2137660
Medeiros, R. N. D., Naia, M. D., & Lopes, J. B. (2024). PhET interactive simulations in physics teaching practices: a meta-analysis | Simulações interativas do PhET nas práticas de ensino da física: uma meta-análise. Revista Brasileira De Ensino De Fisica, 46. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9126-RBEF-2024-0186
Muliyati, D., Nurindrasari, M., & Rustana, C. E. (2021). ProSim"-Designing projectile motion worksheet to support higher-order thinking skill. Aip Conference Proceedings, 2320. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0037482
Nasution, F., Siregar, Z., Siregar, R. A., & Manullang, A. Z. (2024). Pembelajaran dan Konstruktivis Sosial. Jurnal Ilmiah Multidisiplin, 1(12). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10465606
Nkosi, L. B., Chinaka, T. W., Sondlo, A., & Mpuangnan, K. N. (2024). Effect of physics education technology project simulation on improvement of retention ability of grade six learners in state of matter. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 8(6), 2056–2071. https://doi.org/10.55214/25768484.v8i6.2385
Putri, M., Rizki, I. N., Marlina, L., Sudirman, & Murniati. (2024). Development of Flashcard Media Based on Augmented Reality on Dynamic Fluid Material to Train Critical Thinking Skills of High School Students. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(12), 10269–10277. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i12.9778
Ramaila, S. (2024). Pedagogical Affordances of Physics Education Technology in Teaching and Learning: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Technology Knowledge and Society, 20(2), 109–131. https://doi.org/10.18848/1832-3669/CGP/v20i02/109-131
Ren, J., & Tse, A. W. C. (2023). Quasi-experiment: Impact of Learning with Digital Storytelling on Grade Eight Students. Self-Efficacy in Physics in Mainland China. ACM International Conference Proceeding Series, 94–100. https://doi.org/10.1145/3629296.3629311
Rianti, R., Gunawan, G., Verawati, N. N. S. P., & Taufik, M. (2024). The Effect of Problem Based Learning Model Assisted by PhET Simulation on Understanding Physics Concepts. Lensa: Jurnal Kependidikan Fisika, 12(1), 28–43. https://doi.org/10.33394/j-lkf.v12i1.8783
Ridani, M., & Arianingrum, R. (2024). Development of Student Worksheets with Learning Cycle 5E Models on Solubility Product Constant Materials and Their Influence on Student Chemistry Literacy. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(12), 10215–10225. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i12.7522
Ruwiyah, S., Rahman, N. F. A., Rahim, A. R. A., Yusof, M. Y., & Umar, S. H. (2021). Cultivating science process skills among physics students using PhET simulation in teaching. Journal of Physics Conference Series, 2126(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2126/1/012007
Setiani, H., Ruhiat, Y., & Hendrayana, A. (2024). Assessment of the Success of the Independent Campus Independent Learning Program Through a Web-Based Integration System at the Participating University. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(12), 10169–10177. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i12.9335
Suárez, M., Pandiella, S., & Benegas, J. (2023). Tutorials + PhET: a simple and efficient active-learning approach for the teaching of kinematics of circular motion in a technically-oriented high school. Physics Education, 58(3). https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/acb8f8
Sunaryo, R., E., C., Raihanati, K., N., S., & Sugihartono, I. (2021). The effect of the use of harmonic movement PhET interactive simulation in online learning process on mastering the concept of high school students. Journal of Physics Conference Series, 2019(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2019/1/012022
Tommy, M., Hamidah, A., & Syahri, W. (2024). Analysis of Students’ Science Process Skills in Practicum-Based Animal Physiology Learning. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(12), 10299–10307. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i12.7833
Verawati, N. N. S. P., & Hikmawati, H. (2021). The Effect of PhET-Assisted Problem Solving Method on Students’ Critical Thinking skills. Prisma Sains : Jurnal Pengkajian Ilmu Dan Pembelajaran Matematika Dan IPA IKIP Mataram, 9(1), 136. https://doi.org/10.33394/j-ps.v9i1.4001
Vitaya, S., Halim, A., Yusrizal, Y., Evendi, E., & Huda, I. (2025). Development of Heyzine Flipbook-Based E-Module Integrated with PhET, Kahoot, and Padlet to Support Students’ Scientific Literacy. Jurnal Pendidikan Progresif, 15(2), 1365–1390. https://doi.org/10.23960/jpp.v15i2.pp1365-1390
Yuanata, B. E., Dwikoranto, D., & Setiani, R. (2023). Profile of the PhET Assisted Problem-Based Learning Model for Improving Critical Thinking Skills of High School Students. Prisma Sains : Jurnal Pengkajian Ilmu Dan Pembelajaran Matematika Dan IPA IKIP Mataram, 11(3), 870. https://doi.org/10.33394/j-ps.v11i3.8415
Yusuf, M., Yunginger, R., & Nainggolan, R. (2024). Quality of Physics Teaching Module Based on Problem-Based Learning Model Integrated with PhET Simulation on Energy and Its Transformation. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(6), 3007–3016. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i6.7037
Zulfaniar, A., & Palloan, M. (2024). Development of Physics Teaching Materials Based on Sets (Science, Environment, Technology, and Society) to Improve Student Creativity. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(12), 10102. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i12.8774
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Nur Hidayati, Munasir, Mita Anggaryani, Muhammad Satriawan
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY License). This license allows authors to use all articles, data sets, graphics, and appendices in data mining applications, search engines, web sites, blogs, and other platforms by providing an appropriate reference. The journal allows the author(s) to hold the copyright without restrictions and will retain publishing rights without restrictions.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
