Page 24 - ATENEO SERVED 2020 E-BOOK_Neat

Ateneo Science Educators and Researchers in Virtual
Engagement (SERVE) 2020 Ateneo de Manila University
School of Science and Engineering
MS Science Education Program of Biology Department

Learning Electromagnetism Using Microscale Physics Lab Kits at Home
and Context-based Modular Activities in Junior High School

a*
b
Richard R. Sagcal , Joel T. Maquiling , and Nestor S. Valera c

a b
Quezon City Science High School Department of Physics, School of Science and Engineering,
c
Ateneo De Manila University Department of Chemistry, School of
Science and Engineering, Ateneo De Manila University
*Corresponding Author: richard.sagcal@deped.gov.ph

ABSTRACT

Due to the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a lot of schools were
temporarily suspended for operation, and Online Distance Learning (ODL) is highly suggested as a tool for
learning continuity. However, the ODL does not cover the laboratory skills development. Thus, this study
offers to improve both the learning and laboratory skills of the students in Physics by developing and
validating the effectiveness of microscale physics lab kits and context-based modular activities to 10th
graders in a junior high school. The effectiveness of these teaching materials were also evaluated and
quantified by teacher and student respondents via descriptive and quantitative measures. These teaching
materials aimed to promote the use of microscale and low-cost materials available at home, and encourage
the improvisation of sophisticated laboratory equipment and materials in physics. These materials were
evaluated by 12 teachers and field-tested by 30 Grade-10 students. A standardized multiple-choice pretest
and post-test consisting 50 items in physics were used to measure the mean gain performances of the
students who used these activities and kits. Pretests were also implemented to determine the least
mastered topics among these students before they were allowed to use the context-based activities and
kits. After using these materials, posttests were administered to students to measure the mean gain
performance. Both the teacher and student respondents found the microscale physics lab kits and context-
based modular activities effective and highly acceptable in physics, with weighted mean 4.53 on a scale of 5
respectively. Mean gain performance in physics increased significantly in the experimental group compared
to the traditional group, with Hake’s mean gain scores of 0.54 and 0.21. Therefore, the use of these learning
materials should continue to further promote and attain the goals of education, and learning must pursue by
all means, even at home.

Keywords: Context-based Learning, Electromagnetism, Microscale, Physics Lab Kits, Modular Activities,
Laboratory Skills

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