Simple harmonic motion experiments with the accelerometer sensor on a smartphone: Improving the problem solving-ability

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study is to discover the improvement in students’ problem solving abilities after learning activities through a simple harmonic motion experiment method using an accelerometer sensor on an smartphone and revealing student responses on it. Pre-experimental research design with one group pretest-posttest design was used in the study. The samples in this study were students of Class X IPA 1 of SMAN 1 Cilimus Kuningan, West Java. Data on the improvement of students’ problem solving abilities were obtained through an essay test while the student’s response data was obtained through the distribution of response questionnaires. The results showed that the problem-solving ability experienced by students increased in the moderate category. Whereas, the results of the responses of students showed that most of the students responded positively to the learning activities of the sensor accelerometer on this smartphone. So, experiment with smartphone has a potential for improving students problem solving skills.