Enhancing Students’ Conceptual Knowledge Of Archimedes Principle Using Simulation: A Case Of Ejersa Kawo Secondary School, North Showa, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the conceptual knowledge of students’ on Archimedes principle using computer simulation in Ejersa kawo secondary School. A quasi-experimental design was used to achieve the objectives of the study. Sixty two students from two school one control group from cagal secondary school and experimental group from Ejersa kawo secondary school was taken from sections of grade nine were selected through convenience sampling method. Because in both of school only one section of grade nine students was exist.Twenty conceptual multiple-choice questions on Archimedes principle were used as tools for data collection. The data were analyzed in the pre-posttests by using concentration analysis to level the conceptual knowledge of students on Archimedes principle. In addition, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare the effectiveness of two instructional processes (computer simulation and conventional method) on the experimental group and control group. Furthermore, Hake’s normalized gain were used to level students’ conceptual in scores from pre to post tests for each participant and average normalized gain analysis of groups to compare the conceptual change levels. The major finding shows that computer simulation approach was significantly effective in changing students from their alternative conception toward scientific conception. Based on the findings of the study conclusion were drawn and recommendation were forwarded