MAGNETON: Jurnal Inovasi Pembelajaran Fisika
Vol 4 No 2: MAGNETON: Jurnal Inovasi Pembelajaran Fisika | July 2026

Experimental Design of a Calorimeter for the Ethnophysics of Local Foods in NTT to Improve Students’ Science Process Skills

Alfons Bunganaen (Universitas Katolik Widya Mandira)
Theresia Wariani (Universitas Katolik Widya Mandira)
Maria Lia Felizarda Freitas (National University of East Timor)
Donatus de Fatima Ude (National University of East Timor)
Maria Gorette A. da Silva (National University of East Timor)
Paulo Alves Cabral (National University of East Timor)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2026

Abstract

East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) possesses an abundance of local food resources, such as jagung bose (bose corn), tubers, and fishery commodities; however, the quantitative integration of their caloric value into physics education remains highly limited. This study aims to develop a simple calorimeter experimental design based on the ethnophysics of NTT local foods to enhance students' science process skills (SPS). The method employed is a structured literature review (narrative review) analyzing 20 relevant scientific articles (2018–2026) sourced from Google Scholar and SINTA databases concerning the thermodynamic principles of Black's Law, low-cost calorimeter designs, and SPS implementation. The analytical procedure involves reviewing the high school physics curriculum, reconstructing scientific concepts from local food wisdom, and designing experimental syntax. The conceptual review yields a blueprint for a simple calorimeter experimental design utilizing insulated used cans, demonstrating high conceptual validity for accurately measuring the caloric value of local food ingredients in under-resourced school laboratories. The scientific contribution of this design includes measurable SPS indicators, ranging from formulating hypotheses and precisely measuring temperature to analyzing thermal data. The implication of this research provides a practical solution for educators in NTT to conduct contextual physics learning that not only enhances students' SPS but also fosters nutritional literacy rooted in local wisdom.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

MAGNETON

Publisher

Subject

Physics Other

Description

Magneton: Jurnal Inovasi Pembelajaran Fisika UNWIRA merupakan terbitan berkala ilmiah yang dikelolah oleh Program Studi Pendidikan Fisika Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan (FKIP) Universitas Katolik Widya Mandira (UNWIRA) yang terbit 2 kali dalam setahun atau tiap 6 bulan yaitu bulan Januari dan ...