Comparison of students science process skills after using learning an experimental and virtual laboratory on Archimedes Laws

Abstract

Abstract In learning science, students can use the laboratory experiments and virtual laboratories (PhET) provided directly. This study aims to look at the comparison of students’ science process skills to the experimental and virtual laboratories in the aspects of formulating questions, measuring, conducting experiments, interpreting data, concluding and communicating. The instrument is in the form of an observation. The study was conducted on students who numbered two classes. In the first class, data collection was carried out using practicum methods with a total of 35 students from 40 students. While the second class collected data using a PhET simulation with a total of 36 students from 40 students. The research method used is experimental research using quantitative methods. At measuring aspect sig = 0.031, conclusion aspect sig = 0.010, and communicating aspect sig = 0.010 meaning statistically this difference is significant. Whereas in formulating the question aspect sig = 0.628, observing aspect of sig = 0.130, and collecting data aspect of sig = 0.218 means that this difference is not statistically significant.The results are the use of virtual laboratories has a better percentage value in student learning compared to the use of experimental laboratories on Archimedes Law.