Model-Based Inquiry to develop mental model of 7th grade students on thermal energy Topic

Abstract

          The purposes of this research were to study the learning management approach of the model-based inquiry by using the model as the basis to develop a model 7^th grade students on thermal energy and to study the results in the development of a mental model on thermal energy of 7^th grade students who received the learning management approach of the model-based inquiry. The research methodology was action research. The target group was 7^th grade students at one school in Phichit province during the academic year of 2022 in the total of 26. The research instrument used to collect data consisted of the  learning management plan, thermal energy, the reflection form of learning management, the measurement form of mental model and the interview form regarding sample pictures on thermal energy. The data analysis employed the  statistics of percentage, mean and content analysis. The result of this study showed that the learning management approach of the model-based inquiry by using the model as the basis to develop a model 7^th grade students had several processes. A teacher presented the situation related to thermal energy in order to encourage students to create the mental model for understanding. Students tried out the model by searching information from reliable resources or did experiment to obtain the correct model. Students compared the received information with their own model and adapted their own model to conform to the correct scientific model and express their knowledge with other phenomenon. Besides, the development of mental model found that students had the most progress in a group correct mental model and the least progress  Incoherent mental mode.