Development of Fundamental Physics Laboratory by using Interactive Simulations

Abstract

This research reported the development of Fundamental Physics Laboratory by using Interactive Simulation. Physics Education Technology (PhET) consists of more than 50 simulations on https://phet.colorado.edu, including Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Mathematics. This article focuses on applying the simulations for the design and record of experiments for teaching Fundamental Physics Laboratory. There are four activities; 1) Motion with acceleration 2) Simple Harmonic Motion 3) Ohm’s law and 4) Electromotive Force and Internal Resistance. The results of this study reveal that the class posttest score was higher and average normalized gain was in medium gain <g> = 0.43. The students who engaged with simulations performed positive responses for using simulations in Physics labs. By using Satisfaction survey questionnaires to survey students’ responses to Interactive simulations, it is evident that the use of simulations can be effective in encouraging students’ learning of Physics concepts. Significantly, most of the students agree with the use of simulations in teaching and learning since it can help them to construct a conceptual understanding of Physics, regarding the visibility and the use of analogy.