Investigating Problem Solving Skills and Chemistry Learning Experiences of Higher Education Base on Gender and Grade Level Differences

The purpose of this study was to investigate the problem-solving skills (PSS) and chemistry learning experiences (LE) of teacher candidates. 191 pre-service chemistry teacher (130 women, 61 men) were taken as the research sample using the purposive random sampling technique. The research design used a cross-sectional survey with focus group interviews. The quantitative data obtained were analyzed using the MANOVA test and while the interview data using the Patton analysis technique. The research findings show that: 1) the level of the chemistry learning experience of pre-service chemistry teacher (LE) is higher than the ability of problem-solving skills (PSS); 2) the level of ability of female chemistry teacher candidates for PSS and LE was found to be higher than that of males; (3) there are differences in PSS and LE based on grades levels, but there is no difference based on gender; 4) there is a difference in PSS and LE between freshman, sophomore, and junior grades. The findings of the interview are relevant to the results of the survey which proved that male and female students both have positive attitudes towards chemistry, however, it was found that there were differences in PSS and LE between grade level (1stgrade, 2stgrade, 3st grade). Thus, it is suggested that the learning process in universities prioritizes the development of LE and PSS in chemistry learning so as to improve the soft skills and academic achievement of prospective chemistry teachers.

Development of Physics Learning Media based on Guided Inquiry Model to Improve Students' Concepts Mastery and Creativity

This study aims to develop learning media based on guided inquiry models to improve students' concepts mastery and creativity in physics learning in senior high schools. The learning media in question is a ripple tank to explain the characteristics of a mechanical wave. Development research with the 4D model (define, design, development, dissemination) was conducted in this study, where the learning media developed met the criteria of validity, practicality, and effectiveness in improving students' concepts mastery and creativity. Evaluation of the learning media validity is carried out through a validation mechanism where the media is validated by 3 validators (media experts), while evaluation of the practicality and effectiveness of learning media through its implementation in class involves students in two schools in Mataram City - Indonesia. The results of the study show that the learning media with the guided inquiry model are valid, practical, and effective in improving students' concepts mastery and creativity in learning physics. The results of further studies are described in this article

Analysis of Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) Heavy Metal Content in Shell and Mangroves at Bima Bay

This study aims to determine the levels of heavy metals (Cd) and (Pb) in shellfishes and mangroves at Bima bay. The results showed that bivalves and mangrove tissue were analyzed for heavy metal content in the form of lead (Pb), and Cadmium (Cd) using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. From tissue analysis, it indicates that the content of heavy metals lead (Pb) in 3 species of Shellfish which showed different results; Blood shells (Anadaragranosa) of 0.756 ppm, Hiatula shells (Hiatula chinensis) 1.59 ppm, and Shells (Siliqua winteriana) 1.171 ppm. Cadmium (Cd) metals in Shells are each found; Cockle shell (Anadara granosa) of 0.802 ppm, Hiatula shells (Hiatula chinensis) 0.334 ppm and Shells (Siliqua winteriana) 0.066 ppm. The content of lead metal (Pb) in the tissue of small mangrove leaves (Ryzophora apiculata) is 3.21 ppm and the mangrove leaves (Sonnerati aalba) is 3.74 ppm. For Cd levels in small mangrove leaves (Ryzophora apiculata) is 0.41 ppm while in mangrove leaves (Sonneratia alba) is 0.24 ppm

Increasing the Motivation and Learning Outcomes of Students through the Application of the Problem Based Learning Model in Learning Physics

The results of the learning test show that almost more than half of the students have not been able to solve the questions well, so learning improvements or innovations are needed. Problem based learning is one of the recommended learning models in the implementation of the 2013 curriculum because this model is proven to be able to stimulate higher-order thinking skills by designing problems in real contexts. The purpose of this action research is to improve learning outcomes and student motivation in the application of the Problem Based Learning model in learning physics. The subjects of this study were students of class XI MIPA 2, Public Senior High School 12 Pekanbaru. This research is a classroom action research conducted in 2 cycles. The results of this study obtained test data on the learning outcomes of students in cycle I with absorption of 75.25%, in cycle II absorption of 81.29%, motivation of students in learning cycle I and cycle II in good categories.

Feasibility Analysis of Contents of Module Impulse and Momentum to Improve Student Math Skills Verbal Representation of Figures (R-VMGG)

This article reports on the results of the development of impulse and momentum modules to improve the Verbal, Mathematical, Image and Graphic Representation (R-VMGG) abilities of high school students in Besuki Raya. The research objective was to describe the feasibility level of the content, the impulse module and momentum of the development results. The trials were carried out on small samples and large samples, after validation by experts. The large sample trial is carried out after completing the small sample trial which is carried out in stages from all learning activities with the impulse and momentum module. Trials with small samples and large samples were carried out to investigate the impulse and momentum module drafts of the development results in improving the R-VMGG abilities of SMAN students in Besuki Raya. Respondents in the small sample trial were 30 high school students, while the respondents in the large sample trial were 150 high school students. The results showed that the feasibility level of the contents of the developed modules reached a high category

The Diversity of Major Insect Pests at Sugarcane Development Center In Dompu Distrcit, West Nusa Tenggara

Sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum Linn.) is a tropical plant that is very important because it can be used as one of the raw materials for making sugar. The development of sugar production in the last ten years has decreased by around 1.8% per year, this is due to several factors, one of which is due to the attack of sugarcane insect pests. Therefore, research was conducted to find out the diversity of important insect pests in sugarcane plants in the center of sugarcane development in the Dompu District. This research was conducted at the Pekat Sub District of Dompu District, West Nusa Tenggara. The method used is a descriptive method with data collection techniques directly and indirectly in the field at a number of observation points. Based on the observations there were 5 species of insect pests in the research area such as Valanga nigricornis, Locusta migratoria, Ceratovacuna lanigera, Scirchopaga nivella F., and Lepidiota stigma. Insect pests with the highest population and dominance are Ceratovacuna lanigera with an average population of 70 insect/plant and a domination index is 0 .199808. Locusta migratoria has a level of damage with criteria for moderate attack intensity, it is found in sugarcane plants aged 3 months. The results of this study indicate that Scirchopaga nivella F. and Lepidiota stigma F. insect pests have the potential as important pest insects on sugarcane crops

Development of Learning Tools and Disaster Mitigation Boxes Student Oriented Learning Model in Raising Student Awareness

This study aims to develop disaster mitigation learning tools in raising awareness of students in elementary schools. Research design using 4D models, namely define, design, develop, and disseminate. Disaster mitigation learning tools developed are disaster mitigation boxes, learning implementation plans, student worksheets. The data was collected with questionnaires and tests measuring students' disaster awareness. The testing phase is the stage to find out the effect of the use of disaster mitigation learning tools on increasing student awareness. Student awareness raising is determined based on N-Gain and paired t-test. The results showed the learning tools and disaster mitigation boxes developed were declared valid and reliable, worthy of use in terms of content and construction and influential in raising disaster awareness of learners

Misconception Profile of Prospective Physics Teachers Assessed from Various Representations of Electricity Subjects

Misconception is one of the important problems that often arise in education. The objective of this study is identify misconceptions in the subject of Electricty that occur in prospective teachers. The method used in this research is descriptive method. A total of 25 pre-service physics teacher candidates at a university in the Mataram City were involved in this study. The instrument used in this study was a three-tier test. This study use a total of 40 test items. These questions are classified into two types of representation, namely; verbal and figural. The results showed that 88.1% of prospective physics teachers had misconceptions on Kirchoff's first law, 94.8% misconceptions on Kichoff's second law concept, 91.7% misconceptions on Ohm's Law concept and 85.9% on electrical sources concepts. The results of the study show that 72.3% of prospective physics teachers had misconceptions on verbal type questions and 84.2% misconceptions on figural types

Effect of Local Culture Based Learning in Science on Critical Thinking and Student Communication Skills

Learning in every education unit in Indonesia is expected to develop good local cultural values so that it can make changes for the better in the future. In order to face future global competition, students at universities must have critical thinking and communication skills. This study aims to examine the effects of local culture-based learning in the field of Science on students' critical thinking and communication skills. The method used in this research is quantitative method with a posttest-only control group design. The subjects in this study were 58 students who attended the Study and Learning lectures at one of the universities in Mataram. Learning theories discussed through local culture-based learning for 8 meetings are behavioristic, cognitive, constructivist, and humanistic learning theories. The instruments used in this study were a test of critical thinking skills and an assessment sheet for student communication skills. Data analysis to test the research hypothesis using SPSS 25. The research showed that there were differences in critical thinking and communication skills between groups of students whose learning was based on local culture in the field of Science and groups of students whose learning was using conventional models. The level of critical thinking skills and communication skills in the group of students whose learning is based on local culture in the field of Science is higher when compared to the group of students whose learning uses conventional models

Analysis of Detergent Waste Absorption Using Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica)

This study aims to determine the absorption of water detergent waste using water spinach (ipomoea aquatica). This experimental study used a randomized block design. Water samples were planted with water plants according to the research design. Detergent concentrations were observed using the MBAS (Methylene Blue Active Substance) method. The results showed that water spinach was able to reduce the detergent concentration and improve the concentration of water quality parameters (DO, BOD, and COD). After the treatment of water kangkong, the ability to absorb detergent was seen with a decrease in detergent levels until day 28 of 54.17%. The highest detergent absorption on days 7 and 14.