The Effectiveness of Conducting Practical Experiments Embedded in the Chemistry Textbook Using PhET Virtual Labs in Developing Science Processes Among First-Year Secondary Students

Abstract

The current research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of conducting practical experiments embedded in the chemistry textbook using PhET virtual labs in developing science processes among first-year secondary students. To achieve the study’s objective, a quasi-experimental method with two groups was used. The research population consisted of all first-year secondary students in government day schools at Qurtuba Secondary School in Al-Rass Educational District for the current academic year 1445H, totaling (96) students. From this population, a sample of (64) students was selected and divided into two equivalent groups: the experimental group, which consisted of (32) students who were taught using PhET virtual labs, and the control group, which consisted of (32) students who were taught using traditional methods. The study tools include a teacher’s guide for teaching chemistry through PhET virtual labs and a science process skills test composed of (40) items distributed across Two sections: basic scientific skills, which are: (observation, classification, measurement, using numbers, prediction) and Supplementary science skills are: (formulating hypotheses, controlling variables, and interpreting data and graphs). Each of these skills included (5) questions. The study revealed that conducting” practical experiments embedded in the chemistry textbook using PhET virtual labs had a significant positive effect on developing science processes among first-year secondary students. There were statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-tests of the experimental group, supporting the hypothesis that the noticeable improvement in the performance of the experimental group was due to the use of PhET virtual labs. The results obtained from the pre- and post-tests further support the effectiveness of this educational approach. The research recommended the necessity of training teachers on how to effectively use PhET virtual labs and conducting further studies to examine the impact of these technologies on other subjects and skills.