Ethnochemistry-Based Learning Packet on Traditional Tausug Soap-Making: Effects on Grade 9 Students’ Chemistry Learning and Cultural Appreciation

Chemistry is often perceived as difficult due to its abstract concepts and limited connection to students’ everyday experiences. To address this challenge, this study developed and evaluated an ethnochemistry-based learning packet integrating traditional Tausug soap-making into chemistry instruction. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the learning packet in improving Grade 9 students’ chemistry learning and cultural appreciation. A one-group pretest-posttest design with qualitative support was employed involving thirty-five (35) Grade 9 students in one public school in Jolo, Sulu during the School Year 2025–2026. The learning packet was developed using the ADDIE instructional design model and underwent expert validation prior to implementation. Data were collected through a 15-item for pre-test and post-test, activity scores, and a perception questionnaire. Descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were utilized, while the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was employed to determine significant differences between pre-test and post-test scores. Results revealed that students demonstrated high performance in the learning activity, with most obtaining Outstanding and Very Satisfactory ratings. Findings further showed a significant improvement after exposure to the learning packet with the computed W-value of 0.00 was lower than the critical value of 195, indicating a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores. Therefore, the null hypothesis stating that there is no significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of the students is rejected. Moreover, students expressed highly positive perceptions of the instructional material, obtaining a grand mean of 3.79, interpreted as Strongly Agree. The findings indicate that integrating indigenous knowledge and cultural practices through ethnochemistry-based learning packet can effectively enhance students’ conceptual understanding of chemistry while promoting appreciation of local cultural heritage. The study recommends the integration of ethnochemistry and culturally responsive approaches in science instruction to foster meaningful and contextualized learning experiences.

hnochemistry, Tausug traditional soap-making, learning packet

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