This research explored how experiential learning can be used to enhance interest, performance, and science process skills of Grade 7 students by engaging them in hands-on science activities without any standard laboratory equipment. It covered the drawbacks of the common activities done in laboratories, which usually rely on typical modern equipment that may not be commonly available in under-resourced schools. The study addressed this gap by designing learning activities that made use of readily available and low-cost materials in place of standard laboratory tools in topics in basic science. This was accomplished with inexpensive and available options to allow the study to provide quality hands-on experiences. In this way, it not only relieved schools of fiscal burdens but also yielded sustainability and motivated students to relate science to real-life scenarios. The instructional material were prepared by six competent high school science teachers and evaluated by twelve knowledgeable science educators in terms of content quality, clarity of objectives, structure, currency of information, and accuracy—standard evaluation criteria for learning material development in the Department of Education. During an entire academic year, 115 Grade 7 students utilized twenty laboratory activities in the Integrated Science curriculum. Pre-test and post-test research design was used to determine the differences in student interest in science and their capability in terms of science process skills. Results revealed significant positive improvement in both parameters. Hence, incorporating alternative materials into an experiential learning model increased student interaction and learning abilities, offering practical implications for science educators in under-resourced laboratory settings.

Authors:
Kevin Client Matutes, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Philippines
Vebhie Joy Salvan, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Philippines
Paul Andrian Pacquiao, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Philippines
Marialyn Buado, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Philippines
Ernilyn Permites, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Mr. Kevin Client B. Matutes is currently a chemistry education instructor at the Mindanao State University at Naawan, Philippines.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-client-bagas-matutes-21b192217/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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