[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
The Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)<\/strong>, through the Department of Physics<\/strong> and the Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CSNano), Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (ISI-SIR)<\/strong>, has pioneered a groundbreaking teaching innovation \u2014 the Water Balloon Parachute Plunge Interactive Module<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Developed by Dr. Siti Salwa Alias<\/strong> and her interdisciplinary team \u2014 Dr. Muhammad Syazwan Mohd Zaironi, Dr. Kuang Han Yong, Dr. Maisarah Duralim, Dr. Nor Farahwahidah Abd Rahman<\/strong>, and Dr. Nurzal Effiyana Ghazali<\/strong> \u2014 the module integrates Design Thinking<\/strong>, Artificial Intelligence (AI)<\/strong>, and Project-Based Learning (PBL)<\/strong> to revolutionize the teaching and learning of physics<\/p>\n Reimagining Physics Through Real-World Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n The Water Balloon Parachute Module<\/strong> transforms abstract physics concepts into hands-on, meaningful experiences. Students are tasked with a relatable challenge \u2014 designing a parachute to prevent a water balloon from bursting when dropped from a height<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Through this creative exercise, learners apply key physics principles such as Newton\u2019s Laws of Motion<\/strong>, gravitational force<\/strong>, energy transformation<\/strong>, and drag force<\/strong>. The process follows the five phases of Design Thinking<\/strong> \u2014 Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype,<\/em> and Test<\/em> \u2014 promoting iterative learning and real-world problem-solving<\/p>\n To complement the physical experimentation, students utilize AI tools<\/strong> like ChatGPT<\/em> for brainstorming, Tracker Software<\/em> for motion analysis, and Canva<\/em> for digital visualization. This hybrid approach bridges theory and practice, encouraging scientific inquiry, creativity, and teamwork.<\/p>\n \u201cWe wanted students to see physics not just as formulas on a board, but as something they can touch, test, and improve \u2014 just like engineers and innovators do,\u201d said Dr. Siti Salwa<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Integrating AI and Design Thinking<\/strong><\/p>\n The module aligns with the New Academia Learning Innovation (NALI)<\/strong> framework by combining digital literacy, creativity, and collaboration in one learning ecosystem. The instructional design merges the ADDIE Model<\/strong> (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) with Design Thinking<\/strong>, ensuring each stage is both structured and student-centered<\/strong>.<\/p>\n AI integration enhances every phase:<\/p>\n This pedagogical synergy encourages critical thinking<\/strong>, scientific creativity<\/strong>, and ethical AI use<\/strong> in classroom environments<\/p>\n Remarkable Improvements in Learning Outcomes<\/strong><\/p>\n The implementation of the Water Balloon Parachute Module showed substantial improvements in student understanding and engagement. Based on pre- and post-test evaluations, the team recorded an average 50\u201355% increase<\/strong> in student performance.<\/p>\n Among the notable learning gains:<\/p>\n Concept<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n Pre-Test<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n Post-Test<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n Gain<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n Understanding the relationship between gravitational constant (G) and acceleration (g)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 2.79<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 4.44<\/p>\n<\/td>\n +1.66<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Knowledge of planetary gravitational differences<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 2.82<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 4.41<\/p>\n<\/td>\n +1.59<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Ability to calculate gravitational acceleration (g)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 2.75<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 4.33<\/p>\n<\/td>\n +1.55<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Skills in using Tracker Software<\/em> for data analysis<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 2.93<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 4.48<\/p>\n<\/td>\n +1.55<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Understanding of universal gravitational constant (G)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 2.89<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 4.41<\/p>\n<\/td>\n +1.51<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n These results confirm that AI-assisted project-based learning<\/strong> can effectively enhance both conceptual understanding and scientific skills, particularly in mechanics and motion topics.<\/p>\n \u201cStudents began to see connections between physics, design, and engineering. It built not only their knowledge but also their confidence and teamwork,\u201d added Dr. Siti Salwa<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Shaping Future Innovators Through Active Learning<\/strong><\/p>\n Beyond academic improvement, the module cultivates essential 21st-century skills<\/strong> \u2014 problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. Students learn to combine analytical thinking with experimentation, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of real-world science and engineering.<\/p>\n The innovation also demonstrates how AI can be used ethically and productively in education \u2014 not as a shortcut, but as a cognitive partner<\/strong> that enhances inquiry, precision, and reflection.<\/p>\n Aligned with UTM\u2019s mission of fostering future-ready graduates<\/strong>, the project offers a scalable model for other STEM disciplines. Its adaptable framework can be applied to topics such as fluid mechanics, energy transformation<\/strong>, and aerodynamics<\/strong>, or expanded into school outreach programs to ignite interest in STEM among younger learners<\/p>\n Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n The Water Balloon Parachute Plunge Interactive Module<\/strong> showcases how integrating AI, Design Thinking, and experiential learning<\/strong> can transform traditional science education. It bridges the gap between theory and practice<\/strong>, inspiring students to think critically, design creatively, and innovate sustainably.<\/p>\n By merging pedagogy, technology, and hands-on exploration, UTM continues to lead Malaysia\u2019s movement toward AI-empowered, learner-centered education<\/strong>, ensuring that tomorrow\u2019s scientists and engineers are both technologically fluent<\/strong> and human-centered innovators<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udccd Project Title:<\/strong> Water Balloon Parachute: Synergy Between Generative AI, Design Thinking Process, and Project-Based Learning in Physics Education<\/em> \ud83d\udd17 Learn more about UTM\u2019s research and teaching innovations at:<\/strong> https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/642\/2025\/10\/Salwa-1.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Salwa 1″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/642\/2025\/10\/Salwa-2.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Salwa 2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through the Department of Physics and the Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CSNano), Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (ISI-SIR), has pioneered a groundbreaking teaching innovation \u2014 the Water Balloon Parachute Plunge Interactive Module. Developed by Dr. Siti Salwa Alias and her interdisciplinary team \u2014 Dr. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":390,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2635","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-innovation"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/390"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2635"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2635\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2641,"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2635\/revisions\/2641"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science.utm.my\/utmfsresearch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
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\ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83c\udfeb Principal Investigator:<\/strong> Dr. Siti Salwa Alias<\/em>, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
\ud83d\udce7 Contact:<\/strong> siti.salwa@utm.my<\/p>\n