Students' Data Collection and Conclusion-Making Skills Through Inquiry using Worksheet-Based Phet Simulation: Projectile Motion

Abstract

This study investigates students' data collection and conclusion-making skills in projectile motion topics through inquiry using worksheet-based Physics Education Technology (PhET) simulation. The research population comprised all students enrolled in basic physics courses at IAIN Kerinci, with a total sample size of 36 students. Data collection involved student responses to worksheets designed to support PhET simulation-based learning, focusing on two main objectives: directing students to discover the relationship between free-fall time in projectile motion and height, and recognizing the constant horizontal velocity during projectile motion. Descriptive and correlational analyses were conducted, supplemented by regression analysis to explore predictive relationships between data collection and conclusion-making skills. Findings reveal that while students demonstrate stronger proficiency in data collection tasks compared to interpreting data or drawing conclusions, they face challenges in the latter, particularly with more complex concepts. Notably, a significant positive correlation between data collection and conclusion-making skills was observed in simpler scenarios, but not in more advanced ones. Regression analysis did not yield significant results, indicating limited predictability of conclusion-making skills based on data collection abilities alone. This research underscores the importance of scaffolding instructional activities to support students' progression from fundamental concepts to higher-order thinking skills, particularly in physics education. Insights gained can inform the design of effective teaching strategies to enhance students' critical thinking and analytical abilities in physics learning contexts.