Eclética Química

Bibliometric analysis: most discussed topics ethnochemistry in chemistry learning

2025-01-17T01:43:13-03:00

Ethnochemistry, integrating local culture with chemistry education, enhances students’ comprehension by relating lessons to everyday life. This study utilizes bibliometric analysis to identify prevalent topics in ethnochemistry research within chemistry learning from February 2018 to January 2023. Using Publish or Perish (PoP) software, Google Scholar, and the VOSviewer application, 31 journal articles were analyzed to reveal key themes and trends. The findings indicate a strong association of ethnochemistry with terms like “guidelines,” “development,” “implementation,” “local wisdom,” “ability achieved,” and “learning process”. Ethnochemistry has shown significant potential to make chemistry learning more engaging and relevant by linking abstract concepts to cultural and everyday contexts. However, the integration of ethnochemistry into curricula is still limited, and practical applications in modern education remain underexplored. This study highlights the importance of developing strategies to incorporate ethnochemistry into teaching and research, fostering critical thinking, scientific literacy, and cultural appreciation among students. The findings offer a framework for future studies, encouraging innovative approaches that bridge science education with cultural heritage to create more meaningful learning experiences.

Phenolic compounds and biological potential of Eugenia uniflora L.: A short review

2024-10-21T01:07:37-03:00

Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae) is native to Brazil and it is known as pitanga. In traditional medicine, this species is used to treat cough, skin allergies and asthma. Different parts of this plant displayed insecticidal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. The main phenolic compounds found in the extracts of this species are flavonoids and tannins, which display relevant biological activities. This review shows recent phytochemical studies on E. uniflora, emphasizing the phenolic compounds, including a description of methods of extraction of these metabolites. Besides, the diversified biological activities and the potential of this plant for the food industry are reported. The pharmacological and nutraceutical potential attributed to E. uniflora justify the growing scientific interest in this species.

Comparison of chemistry students in solving algorithmic, conceptual and open-ended problems

2025-01-05T11:16:49-03:00

This study analyses students’ achievements level in solving chemistry problems. Questions were designed in algorithm, conceptual and open-ended formats. The limited research on students’ effectiveness in different problem types highlights the need to examine their grasp fundamental chemistry concepts. This research aims to identify and compare achievements levels across the three problems types. A quantitative design using a paper-and-pencil test was employed. The instrument, covering mole concept, acid base, and polymer topics, was administered to 42 high school chemistry students from private school in Johor Bahru through purposive sampling. Descriptive statistics including frequency and percentage, were used to summarize the achievement level. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0. Findings shows that open-ended problems recorded the highest low achievement rate (78.6%), compared to algorithmic (9.52%) and conceptual problems (16.7%). These results indicate that open ended problems are the most difficult for students to master, reflecting weaknesses in understanding underlying concepts. Greater emphasis on cultivating problem solving culture in classrooms is recommended.

Improving students’ critical thinking abilities and environmental sensitivity through project-based learning integrated with green chemistry principles

2025-01-30T12:04:05-03:00

This quasi-experimental research seeks to examine the impact of the Project-Based Learning (PBL) model integrated with Green Chemistry (GC) on students’ critical thinking abilities (CTA) and environmental sensitivity (ES) at chemical equilibrium. A Randomized Post-test-Only Control Group design was used in four classes of Class XI F students at SMAN 1 Gowa, South Sulawesi as the population. The samples were classes XI F1 and XI F4, each consisting of 36 students, taken randomly. CTA data was obtained with seven essay questions which have been tested with quite high reliability (0.68). The ES questionnaire consists of 25 statements. Testing with the Independent Sample t-test shows that the integrated PBL GC Model influences increasing student CTA. The Wilcoxon test results also show that the application of the GC-integrated PBL model affects increasing students’ ES. This research implies that it is hoped that teachers will continue to integrate green chemistry in learning continuously to support sustainability programs.

Exploring the interplay of innovation competence and chemistry mastery: insights from educational practices and factors of influence

2024-12-27T09:19:02-03:00

Innovation competence is a critical skill today, enabling individuals to generate and apply innovative ideas. Its influence on students’ mastery of chemical concepts and the factors shaping this relationship remain underexplored. This scoping review analyzes 31 studies to address three research questions: (1) How does innovation competence influence students' mastery of chemical concepts? (2) What factors shape this relationship? (3) What strategies can educators implement to foster innovation competence and chemical mastery? Findings reveal a positive correlation between innovation competence and chemical mastery, influenced by motivation, teaching strategies, and curriculum design. Practical strategies include problem-based learning, collaborative projects, and hands-on activities. While these insights provide valuable guidance, further research is needed to fully understand the interplay between innovation competence and chemical learning. This study offers actionable recommendations for enhancing teaching practices and advancing future research in chemistry education.

Enhancing higher-order thinking skills in chemical equilibrium through a game-based learning module

2024-12-20T10:37:24-03:00

In 21st-century learning, higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) are essential for matriculation students. However, lacking HOTS materials gives students less opportunity to practice HOTS in chemistry. This research paper developed a game-based learning module based on the Revised Bloom's taxonomy and a game-based learning model. Pre-experimental design with a one-group pre-test and post-test was employed to measure the effects of the module on students' HOTS namely analyzing, evaluating, and creating thinking skills, involving 30 students at matriculation college. The result shows an increase in mean scores in post-test compared to pre-test scores and paired sample T-test shows a significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores with p<0.05. The findings contributed to the potential of game-based learning for promoting HOTS at the matriculation level and providing learners with a quality education.

Overview of difficulties and material identification of chemical bonds based on multiple representations: Teacher’s view

2025-11-22T05:50:44-03:00

Chemical bonding involves three levels of representation, namely macroscopic, submicroscopic, and symbolic, which are often difficult for students to understand due to their abstract and complex concepts. In this case, teachers play an important role as facilitators. However, teachers still experience various challenges in applying a multiple representation approach. This study aims to identify and analyze the difficulties in multi-representation-based chemical bonds based on the views of several chemistry teachers. A total of 14 open and closed question items via Google Forms were distributed online. Based on a survey of several chemistry teachers, the most difficult sub-material in chemical bonds is molecular geometry, while the easiest is ionic bonds. Chemistry teachers participating in this study tend to focus more on symbolic, macroscopic, and submicroscopic representations in teaching chemical bonds.

Systematic literature review on the application of Problem-Based Learning model in chemistry education

2024-11-19T23:59:53-03:00

Problem-based learning (PBL) has seen significant growth in recent years, but its effective implementation remains a challenge. Therefore, this study undertakes a systematic literature review to synthesise the research patterns, challenges, and approaches employed in chemistry education. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) methodology was employed in analysing publications within journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. A total of 523 papers have been found using some keywords. Following a thorough assessment, 35 publications were selected for in-depth analysis. The study found that PBL implementation varies depending on four primary variables: thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, conceptual comprehension, and argumentation skills. PBL concerns include issues like malnutrition, obesity, waste management, climate change, pollution, and green chemistry. Common instructional steps of PBL include problem orientation, student organisation, independent study, group investigation, reporting, and evaluation. Several challenges were found in applying PBL, including time limitation, instructor proficiency, student characteristics, and technical implementation of PBL. These findings are expected to complement the references for future research on PBL.

Improving student chemistry laboratory performance through Nyamplung ethnoscience-oriented learning of the Sasak tribe

2024-10-16T08:28:12-03:00

Evaluating student performance in open-ended laboratory settings presents challenges compared to the structured format of typical lab exercises, which often resemble recipes. This study aims to enhance student performance by integrating local ethnoscience into chemistry education, using the Nyamplung tree (Calophyllum inophyllum L.), part of the Sasak tribe’s knowledge, as teaching material. The study employed a pre-experimental pretest-posttest design with 17 chemistry students participating in three lab sessions. All course participants were selected as research subjects using purposive sampling. Performance was assessed through portfolios, and the N-gain method was used to analyze improvement. Results showed consistent performance increases, with scores rising from 75.52 to 87.76 over three sessions and N-gain values indicating positive but low-category improvement (0.015, 0.070, 0.181). These findings suggest that integrating ethnoscience-based materials can improve student performance while offering a culturally relevant learning experience.

The creativity of chemistry education students in the digital age

2024-09-30T14:54:10-03:00

The creativity of chemistry education students in the digital era is an exciting topic for discussion, given the critical role of creativity in developing innovations for prospective chemistry teachers. This study explores the creativity of chemistry education students in the digital era. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques through learning with hypothetical deductive learning cycle models, interviews, and observations. The research participants consisted of twenty-nine fifth-semester chemistry education students. The results showed that 70% of chemistry education students were in the creative category, and 30% were in the moderately creative category. This study provides essential information about the creativity of chemistry education students in facing the digital era, as well as challenges and opportunities that must be considered in the development of chemical education innovations in the digital era.

Scientific creativity of secondary school students on colloid system

2024-07-27T11:00:17-03:00

The significance of scientific creativity in science has been highlighted for nearly two decades. In chemistry education, this involves students’ ability to generate concepts related to chemical problems and phenomena, such as the colloid system found in daily life. Understanding the colloid system requires students to produce scientific ideas for problem-solving. Therefore, assessing students’ scientific creativity is crucial. This research aimed to determine students’ scientific creativity concerning the colloid system using a descriptive, quantitative approach. Seventy-six students were selected through simple random sampling. Data collection involved four open-ended questions, analyzed using a scoring rubric and percentage scores. The study revealed that students’ fluency, flexibility, and originality were low, leading to unsatisfactory results in questions requiring divergent thinking and scientific imagination. These findings highlight the need to enhance students’ ability to generate scientific ideas, emphasizing the importance of fostering scientific creativity in education.

Determining design thinking elements in chemistry education: A Fuzzy Delphi method

2024-09-07T19:59:17-03:00

Creating a high-quality learning environment where students can solve real-world problems and be receptive is essential for fostering students’ innovation competencies. Using appropriate pedagogical strategies and classroom activities is a crucial aspect of Malaysian education. This article uses the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) to design chemistry classroom teaching strategies based on the design thinking paradigm. This research involves 12 experts in purposive sampling to form a diverse panel encompassing expertise in Chemistry Education, Curriculum, Module Development, Research, and Innovation. Using the Fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), the data were analyzed. Four elements for exploratory constructs, two elements for construct interpretation, four elements for ideation, two elements for execution, and three elements for construct evolution met the FDM requirements, according to the findings. Its threshold value is less than 0.2, the expert consensus is less than 75%, and the average score of the fuzzy number is over 0.5. Encouraging design thinking in chemistry classes and thereby enhancing students’ innovation skills, this research unquestionably induces a paradigm shift in teaching practice.

The effectiveness of guided inquiry learning based on Anderson’s sketch analysis on students’ higher order thinking skills in reaction rate

2024-10-09T18:45:33-03:00

The 21^st century learning process focuses on enhancing higher-order thinking skills (HOTs). In Indonesian schools, students’ HOTs in the reaction rate topic need improvement. This study investigates the effectiveness of guided inquiry learning based on Anderson’s learning sketch analysis in enhancing HOTs. Involving 60 of 11^th grade science students from a public high school in Malang, the study used a quasi-experimental design with an experimental class (Anderson’s learning sketch) and a control class (conventional learning). The research instrument was a HOTs assessment with 10 essay questions. Data analysis using an independent sample t-test showed a significant difference (p = 0.002), with the experimental class scoring higher (69.3) than the control class (49.9). The findings indicate that Anderson’s Learning Sketch Analysis is effective in improving students’ HOTs, with the experimental class outperforming the control class in skills such as analysis (63% vs. 39%), evaluation (71% vs. 55%), and creation (78% vs. 70%). These results highlight the importance of guided inquiry in enhancing HOTs.

Critical thinking skills of prospective chemistry teachers in chemistry learning with Ethno-Socio-Scientific issues integrated inquiry

2024-08-22T18:02:07-03:00

This study aims to develop a valid and practical Ethno-SSI integrated inquiry strategy to improve the critical thinking skills of prospective chemistry teachers. The research method used is Plomp’s research and development model, with a convenience sampling technique obtained from a sample of 52 prospective chemistry education teachers at one of the universities in Indonesia. Data was collected through observation, a critical thinking test, and a questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out qualitatively and quantitatively. The results of strategy development obtained a new syntax called OETACA (orientation, exploration, transformation, argumentation, conclusion, and application) with a content validity score of 0.83 and construct 0.93. The results of improving critical thinking skills on a small scale get an N-Gain score of 0.7 in the high category supported by the perceptions of prospective chemistry teachers who strongly agree (43%) and agree (41%) to implement the Ethno-SSI integrated inquiry strategy in chemistry learning in the classroom.

Phytochemical, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition potential exploration of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis via in vitro and in silico methods

2025-01-14T10:45:16-03:00

Secondary metabolites in medicinal plants have been found to possess a broad spectrum of therapeutic properties. This study investigates the sequential extraction, quantitative phytochemicals, and bioactivity evaluations of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaf growing in Nepal. Methanolic extract contains the highest phenolics and resulted in the lowest IC50 values of 56±3 µg/mL and 157±3 µg/mL, in antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition assays, respectively. Hexane extract was found to contain abundant flavonoids and to be the most lethal to brine shrimp napuili with LC50 of 87±5 µg/mL. Phytochemicals arborside-C (ASC) and arborside-D (ASD) were found to be the most potent ligands to bind with α-amylase (PDB ID: 4GQR), resulting from docking and molecular dynamics simulation outcomes. The free energy changes calculated by the MMPBSA method and ADMET profiling of hit candidates supported by the spontaneity of complex formation reactions and their pharmacokinetic efficacy, respectively. This study proposes two compounds as hit candidates for the α-amylase target. Biological characterization using an in vivo approach is further recommended to assess their precise pharmacological validation.

Physicochemical characteristics of Hadhramaut Moringa peregrina seeds oil

2024-12-19T15:54:28-03:00

The Hadhramaut Moringa peregrina seeds oil (HMPSO) composition was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, hydrogen and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR) spectroscopy. The oil was extracted from the Hadhramaut Moringa peregrina seeds using the Soxhlet method with hexane as the solvent, which reached 34.0±0.2%. The physicochemical properties showed the free fatty acid consisted of 3.18±0.5%, an acid value of 7.0±0.5 mg NaOH/g, an iodine value of 69.4±0.2 g I₂/100g, saponification value of 185.1±0.1 mg KOH/g, refractive index of 1.47±0.01 at 25 °C, the moisture consisted of 0.48±0.03%, density of 0.92±0.03 g mL^–1 at 25 °C, and a viscosity of 48±0.1 cP at 25 °C. The gas chromatography showed oleic acid (78.2±0.1%), palmitic acid (9.80±0.05%), stearic acid (3.6±0.1%), behenic acid (2.52±0.07%) and arachidic acid (1.83±0.05%). The major triacylglycerols of HMPSO, estimated by using high-performance liquid chromatography, were OOO (39.43%), POO (24.54%), SOO (8.18%), and AOO (6.74%). These findings provide important insights into the physicochemical properties of HMPSO; they could have significant implications for its utilization in various industries.

Molecular modeling and pharmacokinetics studies of sulfamidophosphonate derivatives as potential candidate against Staphylococcus aureus

2024-12-12T10:08:33-03:00

In silico methods were used in this paper to assess the anti-bacterial activity of Sulfamidophosphonate derivatives against Staphylococcus aureus proteins (1XSD and 4WK3) using molecular docking and ADMET analysis. The results showed that binding affinity (ΔG kJ/mol) ranged from –4.1(NAM) to –7.1 kJ/mol (NAL) for 1XSD, and –5.0 (NAE) to –6.7 kJ/mol (NAM) for 4WK3. Therefore, compounds NAH, NAL, NAN, NAI, NAJ, NAK, 5AD and NAM could be more desirable as inhibitors than Penicillin (–6.0 kJ/mol for 1XSD and –5.4 kJ/mol for 4WK3) in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus; but ADMET profile revealed that compounds NAF, NAI, NAK NAN and 5AC present attractive pharmacokinetic properties. In this study, compounds NAH, NAL, NAI and NAJ exhibited stronger affinities than the standard (penicillin) against BlaI repressor in complex with DNA (PDB ID: 1XSD) suggesting better inhibitory potential than the standard drug.

Immunoinformatics designing of peptide-based vaccine for malaria infection

2024-12-05T09:10:10-03:00

Malaria, a life-threatening disease prevalent in tropical regions, primarily affects infants, children under five, pregnant women, travelers, and individuals with HIV/AIDS. This study utilized an immunoinformatics approach to design a peptide-based malaria vaccine targeting antigenic proteins, including Apical Membrane Antigen 1, Knob-Associated Histidine-Rich Protein, Merozoite Surface Protein 1, and Sporozoite Surface Protein 2. Antigenic protein sequences were screened for antigenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, and immune responses involving CTLs, B-cells, and HTLs. Selected epitopes were linked with appropriate linkers and an adjuvant to enhance immunogenicity, forming a vaccine construct. The construction, comprising 1473 amino acids, exhibited a molecular weight of 15.21 kDa, a theoretical pI of 8.94, an aliphatic index of 60.01, and an instability index of 31.66, indicating stability. It was hydrophilic (GRAVY: –0.385) with favorable half-lives in mammalian, yeast, and E. coli systems. Docking studies showed strong binding affinity to human TLR2 and TLR4. In silico cloning indicated a CAI value of 0.92 and a GC content of 59.31%. Further studies are needed to validate its efficacy and safety.

Enhancing student motivation in reaction rate topics through the integration of Instagram-based learning media and the Student Teams-Achievement Divisions cooperative model

2024-10-23T10:51:39-03:00

Instagram-based learning media can be applied in chemistry learning because it can be accessed at any time, it is not limited by distance or time if you have an internet network and adequate hardware and can increase student learning motivation. This study aimed to ascertain whether applying the Instagram-integrated Student Team-Achievement Divisions learning model and multi-representation strategies enhances student motivation on reaction rate topics. The Nonequivalent Control Group Design with the Quasi-Experimental technique is the research design. Using a random sampling technique, students from Malang Senior High School’s class XI-Science were selected as the research sample. Student learning motivation data was descriptively and quantitatively examined, and statistical tests, such as prerequisite analysis tests and hypothesis testing, were used to analyze data on learning outcomes. The results of this experimental research found that in the extremely high category, the percentage of students who were motivated to learn rose from 56 to 85%. These findings show the experimental class’s improvement in learning motivation outperformed that of the control class.

Teaching acid-base theories in the era of disinformation: A systematic review with proposals for content integration

2024-12-20T11:35:58-03:00

This paper is rooted in the premise that addressing scientific disinformation and misinformation about acid-base theories requires a multidisciplinary approach, approximating acid-base knowledge with content typically not addressed in chemistry classes. Stemming from this principle, this paper analyzes how peer-reviewed publications for chemistry teaching approach the representation of acid-base theories in the context of informational disorders (disinformation and misinformation) through a literature review and textual analysis. The papers analyzed address cases of informational disorders through a disciplinary lens, with a pronounced emphasis on resorting to acid-base contents to debunk erroneous messages, even though the contexts explored reference socioscientific issues. As a response, this paper broadens the conservation, by proposing other contents that could convey the nature of science as well, the functioning of traditional and modern media, and values and ideologies. By doing so, this paper provides more elements for critical and broader readings of acid-base theories in informational disorders, elevating chemistry teaching to better address contemporary challenges arising from the interplay between science and media.