Development of the Physics Flight Quest (PFQ) Activity Packet Using PhET Simulation for Projectile Motion in Grade 9

Authors

Almairah C. Regaro

Department of Science and Mathematics Education, College of Education, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Bonifacio Ave. Tibanga, Iligan City (Philippines)

Elesar V. Malicoban

Department of Science and Mathematics Education, College of Education, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Bonifacio Ave. Tibanga, Iligan City (Philippines)

Monera A. Salic-Hairulla

Department of Science and Mathematics Education, College of Education, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Bonifacio Ave. Tibanga, Iligan City (Philippines)

Vanjoreeh A. Madale

Department of Science and Mathematics Education, College of Education, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Bonifacio Ave. Tibanga, Iligan City (Philippines)

Ariel O. Ellare

Department of Science and Mathematics Education, College of Education, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Bonifacio Ave. Tibanga, Iligan City (Philippines)

Arlyn R. Alcopra

Department of Science and Mathematics Education, College of Education, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Bonifacio Ave. Tibanga, Iligan City (Philippines)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91100644

Subject Category: Physics

Volume/Issue: 9/11 | Page No: 8257-8266

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2025-12-11

Accepted: 2025-12-19

Published: 2025-12-29

Abstract

This study employed a research and development (R&D) design to develop and validate an inquiry-based Physics Flight Quest (PFQ) activity packet integrated with PhET simulations for teaching projectile motion in Grade 9. A needs assessment was conducted among in-service Science teachers to identify instructional challenges and common student misconceptions related to projectile motion. Guided by the 4D model (Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate), the activity packet was systematically designed and refined through iterative revisions. Validation was conducted by five in-service teachers and science education specialist who evaluated the content accuracy, instructional clarity, and pedagogical effectiveness of the material using an adapted instrument. Revisions were made based on their recommendations, emphasizing clearer instructions, contextual examples, and improved visual aids. Result indicated that the developed PFQ activity packet was highly valid across learning outcomes, instructional characteristics, and effects on learning, suggesting its readiness for classroom implementation. The study highlights the potential of inquiry-based instructional materials integrated with PhET simulations to support conceptual understanding and learner-centered physics instructions.

Keywords

Inquiry-based learning, PhET simulations, projectile motion

Downloads

References

1. Ali, M. S., & Cruz, J. R. (2019). Inquiry-based simulation learning and student engagement in secondary physics. International Journal of Science Education, 41(3), 321–338.* [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Aslan, F., & Büyük, U. (2021). Misconceptions in projectile motion and conceptual changes via GeoGebra applications. European Journal of Educational Sciences, 8(3), 42-62. https://doi.org/10.19044/ejes.v8n3a42 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Beatty, I. D., & Gerace, W. D. (2005). Teaching vs. learning: Changing perspectives on problem solving in physics instruction. ArXiv (Cornell University). https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.physics/0508131 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Boller-Aying, S., & Villegas-Mendaño, R. (2024). Students’ Performance on the Horizontal and Vertical Components of Projectile Motion Using Project-based Learning. Ignatian. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 2(4), 1689-1704. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Chudinov, P., Eltyshev, V., & Barykin, Y. . A. (2022). Projectile Motion in Midair Using Simple Analytical Approximations. The Physics Teacher, 60(9), 774–778. https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0053162 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. DaSilva, C. J. (2024). A comprehensive analysis of the ``coming and going’’ phenomenon of the projectile motion of a sphere under air resistance. Physica Scripta. https://doi.org/10.1088/1402-4896/ad39b1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Dilber, R., Karaman, I., & Duzgun, B. (2009). High school students’ understanding of projectile motion concepts. Educational Research and Evaluation, 15(3), 203–222. https://doi.org/10.1080/13803610902899101 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Fongsamut, K., Tanasittikosol, M., & Phaksunchai, M. (2022). Effectiveness of the simulation-based learning (SBL) assisted with scaffolding approach to address students’ misconceptions about projectile motion. Physics Education, 58(2), 025002. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/aca57d [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Gillies, R. (2023). Using Cooperative Learning to Enhance Students’ Learning and Engagement during Inquiry-Based Science. Neveléstudomány. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13121242 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Henderson, C., & Dancy, M. H. (2007). Barriers to the use of research-based instructional strategies: The influence of both individual and situational characteristics. Physical Review Special Topics - Physics Education Research, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevstper.3.020102 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Khan, A., Abdullah, N., & Hassan, M. (2024). Simulation-supported inquiry learning: Effects on creativity and autonomy in science classrooms. Contemporary Educational Technology, 16(2), 125–138.* [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Kwpublications.com. (2024). Pilot study investigating the effects of the low-cost projectile launcher experimental kit on student learning. https://www.kwpublications.com/pilot-study-projectile-launcher [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Lopez, M. M., & Gutierrez, J. R. (2023). The role of teacher experience in implementing interactive simulations for science learning. Asian Journal of Science and Education, 9(1), 88–102.* [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Mckagan, S. B., Perkins, K. K., Malley, C., Wieman, C. E., Dubson, M., Reid, S., & Lemaster, R. (2008). Developing and researching PhET simulations for teaching quantum mechanics. American Journal of Physics, 76(4), 406–417. https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2885199 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Moro, K. C., & Billote, W. J. S. M. (2023). Integrating Ivatan Indigenous Games to Learning Module in Physics: Its Effect to Student Understanding, Motivation, Attitude, and Scientific Sublime. Science Education International, 34(1), 3–14. https://doi.org/10.33828/sei.v34.i1.1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Nguyen, T. Q., Tran, L. P., & Pham, N. T. (2020). Interactive simulations as tools for enhancing conceptual learning in physics. Journal of Educational Research and Practice, 10(2), 45–60.* [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Perez, M. G. (2017). Effectiveness on the Utilization of Contextualized and Computer Simulated Learning Materials in Teaching Projectile Motion amongst Grade 9 Students of Dacon National High School. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Perez Jr., R. M., et al. (2024). Challenges in Philippine physics education: A review. Philippine Science Journal, 56(1), 89-102. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Prescott, A., & Mitchelmore, M. (2005). Student misconceptions about projectile motion. In Proceedings of the 29th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (Vol. 2, pp. 345–352). PME. https://www.pme.org/proceedings/29th-conference [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Santos, L. R., & Rivera, M. C. (2021). Learner-centered approaches and their effects on motivation in STEM learning environments. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 41(1), 92–108.* [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Wieman, C. E., Adams, W. K., & Perkins, K. K. (2008). Oersted Medal Lecture 2007: Interactive simulations for teaching physics: What works, what doesn’t, and why. American Journal of Physics, 76(4), 393–399. https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2815365 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

Metrics

Views & Downloads

Similar Articles