Effectiveness of E-book thermodynamics based on STEM discovery learning assisted with virtual laboratory simulation to improve high school students’ critical thinking

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the Thermodynamics E-Book assisted by a virtual lab with a STEM approach that is implemented for students and operated through student devices. The research model used is a quasi-experiment with a one-group pre-test post-test design. This study uses one experimental class and one control class that are differentiated by treatment in learning activities. Based on the analysis, it was found that the problem of developing students’ critical thinking was still lacking. The results showed significant results in improving critical thinking skills in the experimental class using the Thermodynamics E-Book assisted by the virtual lab with a STEM approach. Data from pre-test and post-test results have been tested and proven to be normally distributed and homogeneous with a significance value greater than 0.05. The N-gain score in the experimental class was 0.720 and in the control class was 0.699. The use of a virtual lab-assisted Thermodynamics E-Book with a STEM approach is able to contribute to improving critical thinking skills.