Student Mental Model on Energy Concept in Elementary School Students

Abstract

This study aims to identify students' mental models on each energy concept. Descriptive quantitative methods were used to get an overview of students' mental models related to the concept of energy. The sample of this study was grade IV students at SD Muhammadiyah 6 Pekanbaru. The instrument used to collect data was a conceptual understanding level test consisting of three question sections asking for answers in explanations and depictions. Students' mental models related to each energy concept reached the three categories of mental models determined: Scientific, Synthetic, and Initials. The mental model of students in the Scientific category is 5.77% in the energy concept of changing energy forms, the lowest Synthetic category is 11.1% in the concept of energy benefits, and the highest Initials category is 88.46% in the concept of energy utilization in daily life. These results indicate that students understand the concept of energy based on daily experiences without using appropriate concepts. Students have not built on the knowledge gained during the learning process, and their answers are not correctly coherent.