International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM) – eISSN: 1865-7923 – Vol. 15, No. 23, 20121


Paper—AR Module for Learning Changes of Matter in Chemistry

AR Module for Learning Changes of Matter in Chemistry

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i23.27343

Mangai Solomon Mahanan1(), Nor Hasniza Ibrahim1, Johari Surif1, Chee Ken Nee2
1Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia

2Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Perak, Malaysia
solomonmangai2018@gmail.com

Abstract—Internal Visualization challenges concerning sub-microscopic 
particles in chemistry often result in some difficulties in learning the change 
of state of matter. Therefore, this study aims at developing an augmented real-
ity ProCAR module that utilizes a project-based learning approach to facilitate 
learning changes of matter. This study employs ADDIE (Analysis, Design, 
Development, Implementation and Evaluation) instructional design model. The 
quality of the module was evaluated by a group of 5 Chemistry teacher-educator 
experts of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia to identify the suitability of the module. 
Inter-rater reliability (IRR) percentages were determined and the feedback was 
analyzed based on thematic analysis. The result shows that 100% of its learn-
ing objectives, Content, Usability, and Assessment and 75% of its performances 
were good and reliable all having IRR value 75% and above. Such revealed that 
AR Module is potentially effective for the teaching of phase change to Secondary 
school students. Recommendations for future studies were highlighted.

Keywords—AR module, project-based learning, augmented reality, phase 
change, STEM

1 Introduction

Chemistry education is a learning area that researchers have explored by experi-
menting with various teaching aids to enhance better learning of chemical concepts at 
the secondary school level. For example, modules by [56], [37], [38] have been devel-
oped to improve better teaching and learning of chemistry. Chemistry is a science sub-
ject that is a component of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) 
has received different perceptions by students on the learning difficulty due to several 
factors associated with the visualization of chemical phenomena [34]. The difficulty 
involves learners’ inability to create a mental picture of chemical entities and processes 
at the sub-microscopic level [12], [31], [32].

1.1 Students’ difficulties in mastering the topic of changes in matter conditions

Hence, there is often a case of low academic achievement in STEM due to poor atti-
tude risen from this difficulty that comes with many factors such as the pedagogy which 

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https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i23.27343
mailto:solomonmangai2018@gmail.com


Paper—AR Module for Learning Changes of Matter in Chemistry

is sometimes a traditional approach employed in giving instruction [24]. This only gives 
little description of the concepts without explicating the depth of the content to be learned. 
The ability of students to visualize chemical phenomena can contribute to students’ under-
standing thereby improving their knowledge of chemistry [4]. According to [22], enhanc-
ing visualization of chemical phenomena is adequate for our students as they may find it 
very easy to integrate the chemical knowledge into STEM. Therefore, Augmented reality 
is a digital 3D technology that is recently applied in education to enhance the learning 
of chemistry concepts. The technology helps in promoting the learning of sub-micro-
scopic particulate content of chemistry which is not easily visualized without the aid 
of a model.

1.2 Effective teaching and learning strategies to address student difficulties

States of the matter is a topic in chemistry whereby learners require depth knowledge 
of the particulate nature of matter to understand the actual processes that take place at 
the sub-microscopic level. Therefore, augmented reality is especially critical in aiding 
the understanding of these sub-microscopic chemical entities through augmenting the 
sub-microscopic reality. The learning of States of Matter can be meaningful if learners 
are engaged in STEM activity that allows them to relate the conceptual knowledge 
with the real-life experience. This is can be achieved through a Project-Based Learning 
strategy that can allow learners to utilize an Augmented reality device to visualize the 
molecules as they undergo a phase change from liquid to solid-state.

Augmented reality. Augmented reality is a technology that integrates computer-
generated virtual reality with the real world and allows the user to sense the natural 
environment with the virtual experience [21]. Technology has received tremendous 
applications in education. [19], claim that augmented reality has the potential to 
motivate and improve learning. The reception experienced of augmented reality and 
interest shown in implementing the technology in education seems promising towards 
enhancing the students’ learning. According to [30], students’ achievements were 
observed to increase after giving instructions with augmented reality. This technology 
consists of a wide range of benefits for learning which encompasses accommodation of 
students of various school levels, involvement of students’ participation as they interact 
with real-world and virtual observation [30].

Project-based learning. Project-Based Learning is a learning strategy that demands 
students to actively engage in learning processes or activities within a real context that 
will lead them to develop a specific project by solving the problems associated with 
developing this project (Kokotsaki et al., 2016; [29]. The emphasis here is not only 
placed on the outcome of the project but also on the expected and unexpected learning 
outcomes that result from the process of engaging through the project. It is often carried 
out in groups which offers a collaborative learning opportunity amongst the students. 
When students are granted autonomy in this learning strategy, there is much likelihood 
that their performance will increase [9].

STEM. STEM is a learning approach that integrates knowledge and principles 
of science, technology, engineering and mathematics [18]. This approach provides a 
unifying knowledge that is not restricted to specific subjects [28]. Students learning 

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Paper—AR Module for Learning Changes of Matter in Chemistry

through STEM approach can be inculcated with critical thinking ability and effective 
problem-solving skills that can be beneficial for those seeking for advanced studies 
within STEM higher education or STEM-related occupations [5]. [30], [6] described 
STEM as a “pedagogical applications based on design and engineering technology 
for teaching content and practice in science and mathematics education” p. 645. The 
need to engage a student-driven learning where learners can implement knowledge of 
content into real-life practices is critical to STEM learning approach [31], [16]. This 
can help towards realization of the 21st century aspirations [32], [27], [28]. Overall, all 
the potential strategies in helping students understand the topic of changes of matter 
in more depth can be implemented by developing a learning module that can facilitate 
their learning through engaging in STEM learning activity. According to [27] STEM 
learning modules are very helpful for teachers in producing a teaching and learning 
process that not only improves students’ understanding but also can help students apply 
it in daily life.

2 Study aim

This study aims to develop an AR module that will facilitate understanding of phase 
change through students’ active participation in STEM projects. The project activity in 
this paper is the preparation of homemade ice cream with the aid of the AR module.

3 Methodology

This study utilized a descriptive design by using ADDIE instructional design. The 
design provides five phases to help in the development of the AR module which includes 
Analysis; Design; Development; Implementation; and Evaluations. The ADDIE model 
is commonly used by many instructional designers to develop instruc-tional systems 
[26]. A group of 5 chemistry teacher-educator experts who are lecturers in Universti 
Teknologi Malaysia were sampled for the study through a purposive sampling tech-
nique. The criteria for selection include at least 5 years working experience both at 
the university and secondary school level teaching chemistry and how it should be 
taught, familiarity with students’ difficulties in learning phase change, specializes in 
Project-based Learning in STEM and understanding the advantages and disadvantages 
of augmented reality. The instrument (an open-ended questionnaire) administration and 
data collection were done through google form. Data obtained at 100% response rate 
was then sorted according to codes, themes and sub-themes through a thematic analysis 
[34], [17]. In each theme and subthemes, the percent-age inter-rater reliability (IRR) 
which determines the extent of agreement amongst two or more evaluators (raters) was 
determined [33], [14]. A result from these analyses was presented and discussed.

4 AR module development

The development of the AR module was done through the following phases.

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Paper—AR Module for Learning Changes of Matter in Chemistry

4.1 Analysis phase

The initial stage of the instructional design ADDIE model is the Analysis stage. This 
stage provides a need analysis in regards to the problem facing effective teaching and 
learning. According to [12, p. 228] “needs analysis is conducted to determine the needs 
of the audience by distinguishing between what students already know and what they 
need to know at the conclusion of the course”. The stage basically, provides informa-
tion on the factors that leads to students’ unsatisfactory performance which presents a 
problem to instructors which calls for a solution [13]. [8, p. 82], described this analysis 
stage as “identifying the probable causes for a performance gap.

From previous works of literature students have been found to portray little under-
standing of phenomena related to size and number of particles during change of state of 
matter. For instance, a study by [25, p.12] showed that “a majority of the students in all 
grades think that the size and number of particles will change during phase changes”. 
Similarly, students believed that during phase change magnitude of particles changes 
both quantitatively and qualitatively [33]. This notion might lead to difficulty develop-
ing mechanistic reasoning about the actual chemical reactions that take place in topics 
dealing with chemical and physical changes. Furthermore, a study by [1], described 
that majority of students before its study intervention held the notion that no vacuum 
exists between particles in the three states of matter. Some students also described 
that all solid substances have a fixed shape that does not change and an object like a 
sponge is not a solid [23]. That is to say, students encounter difficulty largely due to the 
abstractness of the microscopic reality which becomes difficult for them to visualize. 
More so, in current practice, the response from the chemistry teachers interviewed was 
in line with the outcome from the literatures identified in which most students have 
difficulty demonstrating the actual sub-microscopic reality related to size, as well as 
the number of molecules during phase change, say from liquid to solid and vice versa.

4.2 Design phase

This phase is another critical stage of the module development process whereby 
planning and research are done simultaneously. Based on the outlined propositions of 
the design phase, the learning objectives that should be achieved in this study are enu-
merated as follows:

a. Develop appropriate descriptive knowledge of the concepts of phase change.
b. Conceptualize the appropriate linkage between sub-microscopic reality, macro-

scopic and symbolic representations.
c. Apply the Knowledge of phase change in real life.
d. Communicate by presenting their knowledge about the concepts learned, their exis-

tence, and their application in real life.

Having outlined the learning objectives, the next is to determine the instructional 
strategy that would be employed in achieving the learning objectives. All the processes 
are monitored and guided by the teacher where necessary. Never at all does the teacher 
provides a guideline to be followed on how to carry out each activity [29].

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Paper—AR Module for Learning Changes of Matter in Chemistry

Table 1. Example of AR module lesson plan

Lesson Plan
Subject: Chemistry
Class: Form iv
Project Title: Phase change
Duration: 80 minutes
Instructional Aid: AR Module
Objective:
•  Develop appropriate descriptive knowledge of the concepts of phase change.
•   Conceptualize the proper linkage between the three levels of chemical knowledge (sub-microscopic 

reality, macroscopic and symbolic representations).
•  Apply the Knowledge of phase change in real-life (ice cream making).

Stage Activity

Introduction 
5 minutes

1.  Identify Problem: The teacher displays pictures of ice cream and then asks students 
the questions:
•  How is ice cream made at home?
•  How do molecular particles arrange themselves during ice cream making?
•  Salt does not melt ice but lowers down its temperature. How?
•  Why is it necessary to use salted ice in making ice cream?

Students are classified into small groups.

Execution
60 minutes

2. Research: students in each group engage in research to find the required information
3.  Ideate: students brainstorm for ideas about the chemistry behind ice cream making 

and how it is prepared
4. Analyze Ideas: all students in a group bring forth their ideas and are analyzed.
5.  Communicate: students discuss the ideas analysed and how the activity is to be 

done.
6.  Engage: real project activity is carried out using an Augmented reality device to 

visualize the molecular process in ice cream making.
7.  Evaluate: students evaluate the whole learning process for correction of 

mis-conceptualization
8.  Present Outcome: Students present the result from their project-based learning. 

Teacher guides where necessary in all the steps and collects the outcome from 
students for Evaluation.

Evaluation 
10 minutes

Teacher Evaluates the learning outcome from each group for the correct concept, 
alignment based on knowledge triplets, and correct alignment of concepts with the project 
experience using the items in appendix 1

Conclusion 
5 minutes

The teacher commends students and asks feedback about the whole learning experience.

The lesson plan comprises of four main stages (introduction, Execution, Evalua-
tion and Conclusion). Introduction is the first stage where the problems are identified 
through asking questions. The teacher asks the students a set of provocative questions 
that can arose their curiosity for wanting to learn. At the second stage students make 
research, develop the idea, analyse ideas obtained, discuss, put the plan to effect, eval-
uate activities, and present the outcome to the teacher. At the third stage the teacher 
assesses the students’ outcome and the feedback is given to students. Last stage is 
where students are commended and asked for feedback on the interesting and challeng-
ing aspect during the learning experience.

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Paper—AR Module for Learning Changes of Matter in Chemistry

4.3 Development phase

This phase constitutes building up the AR module content by following the guideline 
outlined in the analysis and design phase.

The AR module content. The module comprises three sections:

a. Introduction of AR module

i) Description of Phase Change concept
ii) Description of Project-based learning
iii) Description of Augmented reality
iv) Description of STEM

Development of AR system. The AR system was developed based on the learning 
activity contained in the AR module. It contains features that can enable the users 
to navigate through the steps. Its unique feature is that it provides description of 
temperature at which the physical change is taking place and the choices for which 
flavour to be used in the ice cream making. Figures 1 and 2 shows few displays of the 
AR.

Fig. 1. Augmented reality view of step 2 and 3 of ice homemade cream making

The AR system comprises steps 1–4. Each step comprises of several displays which 
students can operationalize to observe the ontology of physical changes from liquid ice 
cream mixture to the solid form. Step 3 of Figure 1 shows how the liquid ice cream 
molecules move about randomly when the AR device is shaken. The internal heat of 
liquid ice cream molecules is lost to the cold salted ice-crystals in the larger container 
surrounding the smaller container that holds the ice cream mixture. Gradually, the mol-
ecules become compacted into a solid state when the expected ice-cream is formed as 
shown in Figure 2.

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Paper—AR Module for Learning Changes of Matter in Chemistry

Fig. 2. AR view of solid ice cream

b. Implementation

The second part of the AR module is the implementation stage. Students with the 
guidance of the teacher engage in learning the concept of phase change by preparing 
homemade ice cream. The concept of phase change as regards home-made ice cream is 
considered based on four areas:

a. Size of particles
b. Number of particles
c. Distance between particles
d. Arrangement of particles
e. freezing point depression effect of salt on ice.

An Augmented reality device is used to visualize the particles as the liquid ice-cream 
mixture turns into solid ice cream. A lesson plan is used as a guide during the learning 
process.

5 Results/discussion

Result of the study is presented based on the 5 main themes and 29 sub-themes.

5.1 Teaching objectives

Teaching objectives give direction to what need to be learnt at by the end of a lesson. 
Therefore, the AR Module’s teaching objectives were evaluated and the result shows 
that 3 subthemes: Clear objectives; Objectives-teaching activities and strategies align-
ment, and Objectives can achieve learning outcome, were agreed amongst the evalu-
ators which consequently resulted in 100% IRR value. Only the “objectives-module 
goals achievement” subtheme had less IRR value of 80%.

The result from the evaluators suggests that there is no ambiguity in the declaration 
of purpose. Stating clear objectives is important in developing a suitable module. [40] 
highlighted instructional objectives as crucial to instructional planning which are nor-
mally directed towards effecting certain changes in a leaner. According to [41] objec-
tives describes the performances that teacher wish students to demonstrate when the 

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Paper—AR Module for Learning Changes of Matter in Chemistry

learning takes place. Normally, these objectives offer concise expectation to what sort 
of knowledge or skills about the chosen topic should be achieved by students [39]. 
Therefore, the AR module comprised not only the module and teaching objectives to 
fulfil the requirement of a standard instructional plan or material, but having it presented 
in clear terms is significant in making sure the teacher using the module understands the 
purpose of the module. Another aspect regarding the objective of the module is having 
appropriate alignment between objectives and intended learning outcomes, objectives 
and module goals, and objectives and assessment. This is because the teacher using this 
module can be confident that students will most likely achieve the learning objectives 
after the learning process is completed.

5.2 AR module’s content

The content of the module is critical as it provides the necessary information and 
strategy required for students to construct their knowledge. From the experts’ evalua-
tion, Table 2 shows that 5 subthemes which include: Content complies with learning 
Objectives; Content aligns with Ministry of Education (MOE) Chemistry curriculum, 
Activity corresponds with the content of module; Arrangement of module’s content is 
logical and coherent, and Content can be taught within the allotted time, all had 100% 
IRR. Whereas, only 4 had the same IRR value of 80%. These themes include: Com-
plete Module’s content based on teaching strategies; Module difficulty appropriate to 
Secondary school; Activity promotes students’ activeness in learning; and Lesson plan 
can be taught by suggested media.

Table 2. Percentage inter-rater reliability of subthemes on module’s content

Theme Sub-Theme Agree Disagree IRR (%)

Module 
content

Content complies with learning objectives 5 0 100%

Complete Module Content based on teaching strategies 4 1 80%

Content aligns with MOE chemistry curriculum 5 0 100%

module difficulty appropriate to Secondary school students 4 1 80%

Activity corresponds with content of module 5 0 100%

Activity promote students’ activeness in learning. 4 1 80%

Arrangement of content is logical and coherent 5 0 100%

Content can be taught within allotted time 5 0 100%

Lesson plan can be taught by suggested media. 4 1 80%

Since the context of this study is for Secondary school chemistry students within 
the Malaysia secondary education, it will be out of place to develop content that does 
not align with Malaysia’s curriculum by MOE. The module’s content considered the 
need by chemistry curriculum in Malaysia to involve students into active learning as 
contained in [42]. Much emphasis on the content is based on having a proper align-
ment with curriculum and learning objectives. Time learning components of the mod-
ule to produce a suitable module for learning. teaching media comprised of the AR 
technology employed during the learning process and therefore, time to carry out this 

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Paper—AR Module for Learning Changes of Matter in Chemistry

learning activity using the technology worth evaluating. All the evaluators responded 
that 80 Minutes is adequate to complete the learning activities. The module’s diffi-
culty is another factor that can render some challenges if not validated. Based on the 
experts’ responses, secondary school students can easily understand the module. This 
is similar to some subthemes in the usability theme in Table 3 which stipulates that the 
module is comprise of terms that are easy to understand. Cognition of students varies 
based on their age and learning development [43] which inform why the module need 
to be appropriate with cognitive level of secondary school students [44]. On average, 
the content of the module is observed to suit teaching and learning of phase change to 
upper secondary school students.

5.3 Usability

The effectiveness of the module can be affected when there are usability challenges. 
As such, 5 subthemes in this theme were evaluated to determine how easy the module 
can be used for effective teaching and meaningful learning of phase change by Sec-
ondary school students. Experts’ evaluation in Figure 3 shows that, 2 subthemes which 
include: Module can be used at homes and schools; and Easy to understand terms, all 
had 100% IRR. This is the maximum percentage of agreement that can be obtained 
which entails that all evaluators agreed to the subthemes and Secondary school students 
are very likely to easily understand the terms used in the module which may comprise 
scientific, non-scientific, and mathematical terms.

The other 3 subthemes: Maintained students’ attention; AR is easy to use by Second-
ary school students [2], [30], and Module can be used by any party to teach students, 
had a less IRR value (80%).

Table 3. Percentage inter-rater reliability of subthemes on module’s usability

Theme Sub-Theme Agree Disagree IRR (%)

Usability Maintained students’ attention 4 1 80%

The AR is easy to use by Secondary school students 4 1 80%

Module can be used by any party to teach students 4 1 80%

Module can be used at homes, and schools 5 0 100%

Easy to understand terms 5 0 100%

One of the comments from evaluators on the use of modules by any party to teach 
students is that, “unless a proper guidance is given”. This is similar to the comment on 
students’ use of AR technology. Since the AR interface in this study is new, students 
will require proper guidance to be able to effectively use it. More also, an expert failed 
to agree to the subtheme which stipulates that students’ attention is maintained when 
they use AR. This is contrary to [35], who argue that some features are added to help 
detect students’ location and working status on the AR systems which offer an opportu-
nity to manage their attention. Furthermore, a meta-analysis shows that motivation and 
attention levels are increased when students learn with AR [3]. The agreement about 
this subtheme by most experts reveals that AR draws students’ attention [2], [13], [30], 

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Paper—AR Module for Learning Changes of Matter in Chemistry

which likely results from the interesting augmentation of what students only had to 
imagine during learning [30].

5.4 Performances

Similar to Usability, the Potential effectiveness of the Module can be affected by 
some factors categorized into this theme as subthemes. Based on experts’ evaluation, 
Table 4 below shows that 6 subthemes had IRR values within the acceptable range 
(>70%).

Table 4. Percentage inter-rater reliability of subthemes on module’s performances

Theme Sub-theme Agree Disagree IRR (%)

Performances Teaching strategy-student engagement 4 1 80%

Realization of learning objectives 5 0 100%

linking sub microscopic, macroscopic and symbolic 
representation through AR

3 2 60%

Visualization enhancement 4 1 80%

Activities helps nurture moral values 2 3 40%

Materials used can be manipulated based on 
suitability

4 1 80%

appropriateness of topic sequence with students’ 
developmental needs

5 0 100%

AR facilitates understanding of Phase change 5 0 100%

Three of these themes: Realization of learning objectives; Appropriateness of topic 
sequence with students’ developmental needs; and AR facilitates understanding of 
phase change all had 100% IRR while another 3: Teaching strategy-student engage-
ment; Visualization enhancement; and Materials used can be manipulated, all had 80% 
IRR. In this theme, 2 subthemes; linking sub-microscopic, macroscopic, and symbolic 
representation (also known as multiple representations) [15] through AR; and activities 
that help nurture moral values were not agreed to by a significant number of evaluators 
which resulted in IRR values of 60% and 40% respectively. These values fall short of 
the acceptable limit of >70%. According to one of the expert evaluators that failed to 
agree to the former subtheme, the provision for symbolic representation within the AR 
system is needed to facilitate knowledge construction based on linking knowledge in 
the multiple representations. Furthermore, comments from 2 evaluators on the later 
subtheme questioned the association of this study (AR Module) with students’ morals. 
Since the module is focused on enhancing the learning of scientific concepts, their feed-
back suggests that such consideration in the module can be revised.

5.5 Assessment

The last of the five main themes in this study is the Assessment which comprises only 
three subthemes. This describes the procedure of determining the extent of the intended 
learning outcome has been achieved. The result from the experts’ evaluation shows 

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Paper—AR Module for Learning Changes of Matter in Chemistry

that all the subthemes: Assessment align with the pedagogy; Assessment align with the 
cognitive level of Secondary school students [45]; and Assessment corresponds with 
module content, all had 100% IRR. All the experts agreed to these subthemes. Each 
subtheme is based on the idea of constructive alignment which is expected to exist 
amongst learning objectives, content, and assessment parts of any instructional plan 
[11], [20].

Table 5. Percentage Inter-rater reliability of subthemes on assessment of learning in the module

Theme Sub-Theme Agree Disagree IRR (%)

Assessment Assessment align with the pedagogy 5 0 100%

Assessment align with cognitive level of Secondary 
school students

5 0 100%

Assessment corresponds with module content 5 0 100%

Since the learning objectives present what is intended to be achieved during the 
teaching and learning procedure, the assessment fits well with the objectives to provide 
information on the extent to which these objectives have been achieved. Reflecting on 
the evaluation of the module’s objective and content, it can be observed that none of 
the subthemes fall out of the acceptable IRR value which therefore suggests that 100% 
IRR on Assessment indicates that both learning objectives, content, and assessment are 
constructively aligned.

5.6 Summary of results

From all the results presented for each theme, the summary is presented in Figure 3 
which describes the amount in the percentage of the module based on the main themes 
that are reliable and considered to result in a very good module’s potential effective-
ness. Among the five themes analysed, 100% concerning each of the four themes: 
Objectives; Module Content; Usability; and Assessment were very good and reliable 
since none of their subthemes had an IRR below the acceptable limit (>70%). Whereas, 
performances theme was the only to have 75% IRR considered good and reliable. This 
suggests that 25% of the performances may be revised.

100% 100% 100%
75%

100%

OBJECTIVES MODULE

CONTENT

USABILITY PERFORMANCES ASSESSMENT

Percentage of main themes considered very good (with >70% IRR)

Fig. 3. Percentage of reliable main themes

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Paper—AR Module for Learning Changes of Matter in Chemistry

Despite the need for revision of 25% portion of performances, the overall evaluation 
by experts reveals that the AR Module has potential effectiveness with 100% IRR. The 
output of this result summary presents the five major aspects of the module that were 
validated to determine their percentage proportions that is good and can tell what cat-
egory of the module is suitable or unsuitable for learning phase change. For instance, 
if the percentage of the module content that is reliable is short of 100%, it then means 
that the module must be revised because what is expected of the students to learn is 
embodied in the content. Therefore, the module can be considered unsuitable for learn-
ing phase change.

Similarly, the usability is another factor that is crucial to development of modules 
or any other instructional material. The idea behind this module development envision 
that the instructional material should be developed to offer some appreciable degree 
of ease to the user [46] whereby the objectives of its provision will be achieved. For 
students to effectively visualize and make meaning of what they observe through use of 
AR, it means that the module or the AR system must consist of some guiding mecha-
nism either as word description or combination of words and different lights, colours or 
graphics, to ease possible difficulties that students might experience during the learning 
process. [2] and [30] highlights that students find AR very easy to use; and for which 
ever possible challenge that may arise, a proper guide is given in the module.

The performances in the AR module are the output that the module claims to elicit 
which appears that, the evaluators consider revising some component of the perfor-
mances. For instance, claiming the module helps to nurture moral values was not con-
sidered relevant to the topic in which the module was developed. Such can be observed 
to have no effect on improving students learning of phase change. In the same vein, 
the module was considering improving students’ ability to conceptualise phase change 
based on linking the sub-microscopic, macroscopic and symbolic representations 
which often pose some difficulties to chemistry students particularly when they can not 
visualize the sub microscopic substances. [15] highlighted the significance of learning 
conceptual knowledge in chemistry based on the multiple representation. It is on this 
basis that the AR module seek to facilitate not only the visualization of sub microscopic 
substances but also the learning through the multiple representation. The result from 
evaluators therefore, suggests for revising that provision in the module so that more of 
the symbolic representations can be added at each stages of the learning activity using 
the AR system. The Performances category largely determined potential effectiveness 
of the module since it constitute the expected output that the module is expected to 
yield. The last part which is the assessment had its all components valid and suitable 
to assess whether the pre-outlined instructional objectives have been achieved or not. 
All the basic expectation of students having to understand the distance of particles in 
solid and liquid states, the motion, the size, dispersion of the particles in liquid and solid 
states will be observed whether students meet up with these expectations or not.

6 Importance of AR module

AR module has tremendous importance to STEM teachers and students most espe-
cially for those into teaching and learning chemistry. AR module is designed to help 

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Paper—AR Module for Learning Changes of Matter in Chemistry

chemistry teachers teach the concept of phase change effectively by engaging students 
in a learner-centred instructional approach to create a sense of ownership of what is 
expected of them to learn. The module has the potential to arouse as well as sustain 
students’ interest in learning chemistry. Alternatively, since students are considered the 
central focus point in learning, AR module was developed to offer students a sense of 
active participation in learning phase change which is needed for them to construct 
their knowledge in STEM.

7 Conclusion

This study aimed at developing an augmented reality AR module for teaching and 
learning change of state of matter (phase change) by secondary school chemistry stu-
dents. The study employed an ADDIE research and development instructional model 
and a qualitative research design was used in the study. The result of the evaluation 
shows that 100% of the module’s objectives, content, (usability, and assessment indi-
cators), and 75% of its performances were good and reliable which enable it to possess 
a very good potential effectiveness. it is hoped that AR module will become an import-
ant educational material that will not only make learning interesting but will promote 
meaningful learning of the concept of phase change.

8 Recommendations

Based on the suggestions from experts, similar augmented reality-based modules can 
be developed to present symbolic descriptions of the chemical particles at each stage 
of the phase change. This study was limited to phase change from liquid to solid using 
ice cream learning activity. Future studies can consider expanding to phase change for 
evaporation, and condensations using specified STEM project-based learning activi-
ties. More also, further studies can develop more Augmented reality-based modules 
for educating students on other topics of chemistry that present internal visualization 
complexity to students.

9 Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) for their 
support in making this project possible. This work was supported by the Research Uni-
versity Grant (Q.J130000.2453.09G35) initiated by UTM.

10 References

 [1] Adadan, E., & Ataman, M. M. (2020). Promoting senior primary school students’ under-
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11 Authors

Mangai Solomon Mahanan is a final semester Student pursuing Master’s degree in 
Chemistry Education Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). He has excellent grades 
in both core and non-core courses. He was also the director of 13th School of Education 
Innovation day committee 2021, at the same Universiti. Mangai is the present General 
Secretary of International Students Society of Nigeria at UTM and is a certified Chem-
istry teacher with Teacher’s Registration Council of Nigeria having had 3-year teaching 
experience in senior secondary school chemistry. (Email: solomonmangai2018@gmail.
com and mangai@graduate.utm.my).

Nor Hasniza Ibrahim is a senior lecturer in Department of Educ Science, Mathe-
matics and Multimedia Creative, Faculty of Science Social and Humanities, Univer-
siti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 81310. She received her Bachelor 
in Biomedical Sciences from Universiti Putra Malaysia, Master’s Degree and Doc-
tor of Philosophy in Chemistry Education from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Her 
research interest is regarding science education, chemistry education and STEM edu-
cation. She now works as senior lecturer in She also currently actively involved in 
research and programs related to STEM education and indigenous people (Email: 
p-norhaniza@utm.my).

iJIM ‒ Vol. 15, No. 23, 2021 87

https://doi.org/10.20961/jkpk.v5i1.38537
https://doi.org/10.20961/jkpk.v5i1.38537
https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1470/1/012097
https://doi.org/10.26737/jetl.v3i2.748
https://doi.org/10.1177/0031721719834022
https://doi.org/10.1177/0031721719834022
https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2448144
https://doi.org/10.21315/eimj2020.12.2.6
https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003062769
https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003062769
mailto:solomonmangai2018@gmail.com
mailto:solomonmangai2018@gmail.com
mailto:mangai@graduate.utm.my
mailto:p-norhaniza@utm.my


Paper—AR Module for Learning Changes of Matter in Chemistry

Johari Surif is associate professor in Department of Educ Science, Mathematics 
and Multimedia Creative, Faculty of Science Social and Humanities, Universiti 
Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 81310. He received Bachelor in Environ-
mental Sciences from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Master’s Degree and Doctor of 
Philosophy in Chemistry Education from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. His research 
interest is regarding science education, chemistry education and STEM education. He 
also currently actively involved in research and programs related to STEM education, 
community and many more (Email: johari_surif@utm.my).

Chee Ken Nee received the Ph.D. degree in Educational Technology, Universiti 
Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia, in 2018. He is Professional Technologist registered 
under Malaysian Board of Technologist (MBOT). He is also senior member of IEEE 
(SMIEEE). A Global Teacher Award 2020 receiver. Top 30 Microsoft Innovative Edu-
cator Expert 2020. He is currently a Senior Lecturer with Universiti Pendidikan Sul-
tan Idris, Malaysia. His primary research interests include mobile learning, augmented 
reality, virtual reality, robotics in education, internet of things, artificial intelligence and 
computer-based learning. He is a reviewer for many ISI and Scopus indexed journals. 
He is also a jury for many prestigious innovation competitions in international and 
national level. He even has presented in various international stage as speaker including 
the USA. Innovation in teaching and learning also become his interest recently espe-
cially in this pandemic era. His research H-index is 4 with 220 citations. Work more 
than 12 years in education industry as school teacher and half year as assistant director 
in Educational Technology and Resource Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia. 
(Email: cheekennee@fskik.upsi.edu.my).

Article submitted 2021-09-06. Resubmitted 2021-10-05. Final acceptance 2021-10-07. Final version 
published as submitted by the authors.

88 http://www.i-jim.org

mailto:johari_surif@utm.my
mailto:cheekennee@fskik.upsi.edu.my