Penerapan Metode Eksperimen untuk Meningkatkan Pemahaman Konsep IPAS Materi Gaya di Sekitar Kita Pada Murid Kelas IV di SDN 2 Undaan Lor Kudus

Abstract

Students conceptual understanding in IPAS (Natural and Social Sciences) lessons remains a significant challenge, particularly when instruction is dominated by teacher explanations and rote memorization. This study aimed to describe the implementation of the experimental method and assess its impact on improving the conceptual understanding of fourth-grade students at SDN 2 Undaan Lor Kudus regarding the topic "Forces Around Us." The study employed Classroom Action Research (CAR) conducted over two cycles; each cycle consisted of three meetings comprising the stages of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The research subjects were 38 fourth-grade students. Data were collected through written tests, observations, interviews, and documentation. Quantitative data were analyzed based on students' average scores and the rate of classical learning mastery. The results indicated an improvement in students' conceptual understanding following the implementation of the experimental method. The average score rose from 61.42 in the pre-cycle stage to 68.02 in Cycle I and 79.01 in Cycle II. Classical mastery also increased from 44.73% in the pre-cycle stage to 65.78% in Cycle I and 89.47% in Cycle II. Experimental activities provided students with hands-on learning experiences through observing, conducting experiments, recording findings, discussing results, and drawing conclusions. These activities helped students grasp concepts more concretely and relate them to everyday situations. Thus, the implementation of the experimental method proved effective in enhancing the conceptual understanding of fourth-grade students in IPAS lessons on the topic "Forces Around Us" at SDN 2 Undaan Lor Kudus.