Design and evaluation of an inquiry-based Arduino-based science kit to enhance secondary students' understanding of electromagnetism and circuit concepts

Project Abstract

This study reports on the design, implementation, and evaluation of an inquiry-based Arduino-based science kit aimed at improving secondary students’ understanding of electromagnetism and circuit concepts. Grounded in constructivist learning theory and inquiry-based pedagogy, the project develops a modular kit comprising Arduino microcontrollers, electronic components, sensor modules, and a guided inquiry workbook that encourages students to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, collect and analyze data, and communicate findings. The research employs a quasi-experimental design with intervention and control groups in three secondary schools over a 12-week teaching unit embedded within the physics curriculum. Data were collected through multiple instruments (1) concept inventories tailored to electromagnetism and circuitry to measure pre- and post-achievement, (2) conceptual interviews to capture substantive understanding and misconceptions, (3) performance tasks aligned with laboratory activities to assess procedural fluency, and (4) engagement and attitudes surveys to gauge motivation and perceived relevance. The Arduino-based kit enables hands-on exploration of Ohm’s law, series and parallel circuits, Kirchhoff’s rules, magnetic induction, electromotive force, and transduction principles, with real-time visualization through LED arrays, digital multimeters, and magnetic field sensors. A key feature is the inquiry-driven lesson sequence, which progresses from basic exploration to controlled experimentation, data-driven reasoning, and collaborative inquiry projects, accompanied by teacher professional development workshops focusing on facilitation strategies, assessment for learning, and classroom management of open-ended investigations. Quantitative analysis (ANCOVA, with covariates of prior knowledge and schooldemographic variables) reveals statistically significant gains in electromagnetism and circuit conceptual knowledge for the intervention group compared to the control group (p < .05), with larger effect sizes observed in students who engage in structured reflection prompts and iterative hypothesis testing. Qualitative analyses of think-aloud protocols and classroom observations indicate improved scientific reasoning, including accurate application of Kirchhoff’s laws, better articulation of the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance, and heightened ability to connect theoretical concepts to tangible phenomena demonstrated by circuit behavior and sensor readouts. The study also documents challenges such as resource variability across schools, first-time exposure to open-ended inquiry for some students, and the need for ongoing professional development to sustain fidelity of implementation. To address these, the kit includes scalable components, a teacher’s guide with exemplar lesson plans, assessment rubrics aligned to national science standards, and an adaptive implementation framework that supports differentiation and situational adaptations. The findings suggest that an inquiry-based Arduino-enabled toolkit can effectively bridge theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of electromagnetism and circuits, promoting deeper conceptual comprehension, procedural fluency, and positive dispositions toward experimental science. Recommendations are provided for curriculum integration, equitable access, and future iterations including advanced sensor integration, wireless data sharing, and long-term impact studies on academic achievement and STEM motivation. Overall, the project contributes to robust, scalable strategies for modernizing science education through hands-on, inquiry-centered learning technologies.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

---

A hands-on study that uses a simple Arduino-based science kit to help high school or early undergraduate students explore how electricity and magnets work in real life. It looks at how guided experiments and prompts can improve understanding of electromagnetism and basic circuit ideas, using safe, affordable parts and clear explanations.

---

---

The Problem It Addresses

---

Many students learn abstract ideas about circuits and magnetism without seeing how they connect to real devices. This project tackles the gap between theory and practical experimentation, aiming to build confidence and curiosity by letting learners build, test, and observe electrical phenomena themselves.

---

---

Objectives of the Project

---

1. Design a low-cost Arduino-based kit that demonstrates key electromagnetism and circuit concepts.
2. Develop simple, student-friendly lesson activities and prompts.
3. Evaluate whether the kit improves understanding through quick quizzes and student reflections.
4. Assess usability and engagement from both students and teachers.
5. Provide recommendations for classroom integration and potential extensions.

---

---

What You Will Do Step by Step

---

1. Review basic electromagnetism and circuit concepts to identify core ideas for the kit.
2. Select safe, affordable Arduino components and assemble a working kit.
3. Create guided activities that align with learning goals and provide step-by-step prompts.
4. Test activities with a small group of students, collect feedback, and observe outcomes.
5. Measure learning gains using simple pre- and post-activity assessments.
6. Analyze data to see which activities most improved understanding.
7. Refine the kit and activities based on feedback.
8. Prepare a classroom-ready guide and evaluation report.

---

---

---

---

Expected Outcome

The project should result in a tested, ready-to-use Arduino science kit with support materials that help students grasp electromagnetism and circuit ideas more clearly, plus an evaluation showing improved understanding and engagement.