“Counting drops and observing color”: Teachers’ and students’ first experiences in small-scale chemistry practicum of acid-base solutions

Abstract

This research introduced small-scale chemistry practicum techniques on the concept of acid-base identification, determination of pH with indicators, and neutralization reactions with the concept of titration. This research aims to reveal teachers’ and students’ first experiences in small-scale chemistry practicum. This research is action research to introduce a small-scale practicum technique for the solution of minimizing chemical tools and materials, as well as the availability of space for school chemistry practicum. This study involved 26 teacher participants and 36 student participants. The data collected in the form of quantitative data related to teacher responses to small-scale chemistry practicum workshops and student responses to small-scale chemistry practicum in the pilot class. The instrument used is an activity response questionnaire. Qualitative data is collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The practicum involves qualitative observations and quantitative calculations. The qualitative aspect relates to the observation of color changes that occur in the mixture of solutions made from acid and alkaline solutions with a certain composition. Teachers got a lot of inspiration in terms of practicing chemistry with fewer material requirements, as well as modifying the tools used for laboratory activities. The tool and material box package illustrated to them that practicum activities do not have to be carried out in a laboratory room, but can also be practiced in conventional classrooms, even done independently by students at home. Students have a unique experience in the process of counting the number of droplets because it requires concentration and careful observation.