Virtual experiment of simple pendulum to improve student's conceptual understanding

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to figure out the effectivity of virtual laboratory on improving student's conceptual understanding related to simple pendulum topic using PhET simulation. The study involved 75 students of Junior High School that grouped into 3 cluster (rural, suburban, and urban area). The result of pre-test and post-test based on 24 multiple choice questions in general revealed that the virtual experiment affects the improvement of student's conceptual understanding with value classified into low to medium gain. Unexpectedly, the results of sample in rural area got highest gain compared to others.