The Influence of PhET-Assisted STEM Learning Model on Understanding the Concept of Motion Transformation in Physics
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the effect of the PhET-assisted STEM learning model on the understanding of motion transformation concepts among students at Muhammadiyah Langkaplancar Junior High School. The concept of motion transformation includes translation, rotation, and acceleration, which are abstract and often difficult for students to understand. To overcome this, PhET is used as an interactive simulation medium that allows students to manipulate variables directly and observe their effects in real time. The research method uses an experimental design with pre-tests and post-tests. The research sample consisted of 20 ninth-grade students selected at random. The research instruments were concept comprehension tests, observations, and student learning experience questionnaires. The results showed an increase in the average comprehension score of 20 points in the experimental group, while the control group only increased by 4 points. Although the ANOVA test did not show a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p-value 0.95), PhET-assisted learning was proven to increase interactivity and the quality of physics learning. In conclusion, the application of the PhET-assisted STEM learning model can be an alternative innovative strategy to strengthen the understanding of complex physics concepts at the junior high school level, while encouraging student motivation and engagement in the learning process.
Downloads
Article Details

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Accepted 2025-10-20
Published 2025-10-28
Plaudit
References
A. H. Syahrial, W. Deliana, V. D. Cahyani, and A. F. Husaini, “Pembelajaran Fisika Materi Mekanika Benda Tegar: Review Media, Model, dan Metode,” Mitra Pilar J. Pendidikan, Inovasi, dan Terap. Teknol., vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 119–140, 2022, doi: 10.58797/pilar.0102.06. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58797/pilar.0102.06
A. Muzakki, I. N. Ramadhanti, I. N. Alifiyan, and T. S. Ayu, “Kajian Model Pembelajaran Fisika SMA pada Topik Kinematika Gerak Lurus,” Mitra Pilar J. Pendidikan, Inovasi, dan Terap. Teknol., vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 85–98, 2022, doi: 10.58797/pilar.0102.04. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58797/pilar.0102.04
U. Umiliya, A. Wati, and I. Mahadi, “The Effectiveness of the Application of PhET with Inquiry Learning Model to Improve Understanding of the Concept,” J. Sci. Educ. Res., vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 82–92, 2023, doi: 10.21831/jser.v7i2.59148. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21831/jser.v7i2.59148
R. Haryadi and H. Pujiastuti, “PhET simulation software-based learning to improve science process skills,” J. Phys. Conf. Ser., vol. 1521, no. 2, 2020, doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/1521/2/022017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1521/2/022017
L. Fitriah et al., “Pelatihan Inovasi Pembelajaran tentang Model Pembelajaran dan Simulasi PhET bagi Guru-Guru MAN 3 Banjar,” Bubungan Tinggi J. Pengabdi. Masy., vol. 5, no. 1, p. 1, 2023, doi: 10.20527/btjpm.v5i1.6573. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20527/btjpm.v5i1.6573
P. Pribadi and A. Alamsyah, “Pengaruh Metode Quantum Teaching terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa,” Tarbiyahmu, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 1–8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58578/tsaqofah.v5i1.4231
P. Pribadi, A. Jamali, A. Nurahman, A. Jufriansah, and I. Kartika, “Exciting science learning in elementary schools with the STREM model: Innovative integration for students,” Res. Phys. Educ., vol. 3, pp. 37–42, 2025.
P. Pribadi, A. Nurahman, and A. Jufriansah, “Pengaruh Metode STEM Terintegrasi pada Materi Elektronika terhadap Kemampuan Analisis dan Pemecahan Masalah Siswa SMK,” Simki Pedagog., vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 566–572, 2024, doi: 10.29407/jsp.v7i2.805. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29407/jsp.v7i2.805
P. Pribadi and A. Nurahman, “Peningkatan Hasil Belajar Siswa dengan Menerapkan Model Pembelajaran Kooperatif Tipe Student Teams Achievement Division,” Tarbiyahmu, vol. 2, pp. 40–45, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54211/trisala.v2i20.40
A. F. Salmaan, D. Alfianto, and H. M. Al-Musthafa, “Aplikasi PhET sebagai Penunjang Media Pembelajaran Praktikum IPA pada Kalangan Siswa Sekolah Menengah,” Aktual. Pengabdi. Masy., vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 1–12, 2023, doi: 10.30762/akdimas.v1i1.1541. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30762/akdimas.v1i1.1541
H. Fatimah and B. Bramastia, “Literatur Review Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Sains,” INKUIRI J. Pendidik. IPA, vol. 10, no. 2, p. 125, 2021, doi: 10.20961/inkuiri.v10i2.57255. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20961/inkuiri.v10i2.57255
C. K. Perkins et al., “PhET Interactive Simulations for Teaching and Learning Physics,” Univ. of Colorado Boulder, 2015.
C. K. Perkins et al., “Research-Based Design Features of Web-Based Simulations,” Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res., vol. 17, no. 2, p. 023108, Dec. 2021, doi: 10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.17.023108. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.17.023108
H. J. Banda and J. Nzabahimana, “The Impact of Physics Education Technology (PhET) Interactive Simulation-Based Learning on Motivation and Academic Achievement Among Malawian Physics Students,” PLoS One, vol. 18, no. 6, e0269986, Jun. 2023.
K. Khaeruddin and H. Bancong, “STEM education through PhET simulations: An effort to enhance students’ critical thinking skills,” J. Ilm. Pendidik. Fisika Al-Biruni, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 35–45, Apr. 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24042/jipfalbiruni.v11i1.10998
S. Uwambajimana, E. Minani, A. D. Mollel, and P. Nyirahabimana, “The impact of using PhET simulation on conceptual understanding of electrostatics within selected secondary schools of Muhanga District, Rwanda,” J. Math. Sci. Teacher, vol. 3, no. 2, em045, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29333/mathsciteacher/13595