Journal of Ethnophysics
Aims and Scope Journal of Ethnophysics (JoE) is a scholarly publication dedicated to advancing research and practices at the intersection of physics and cultural knowledge. This journal provides a platform for researchers, educators, and practitioners to explore how traditional, indigenous, and local expertise intersect with the principles and teaching of physics. Starting Vol 1 No 1 January 2025 edition, this journal emphasizes a special focus on “the integration of ethnophysics and traditional knowledge in understanding, teaching, and applying physics”. JoE aims to support the future indexing process on Scopus. There is currently no Article Processing Charge (APC) for publishing, providing an opportunity for researchers to submit their most relevant work. In addition to original research articles, the journal features the following special sections: Research Qualitative or Quantitative in Ethnophysics: This section explores the study and analysis of physical phenomena within cultural, indigenous, and local contexts. Researchers investigate how traditional knowledge, practices, and beliefs embody physical principles, and how these can be documented, interpreted, or integrated with modern physics. Both qualitative and quantitative studies, including ethnographic fieldwork, experimental validation, and mixed-method research, are welcome. This section emphasizes the understanding and explanation of physics concepts through the lens of cultural and local practices. Physics Edutainment: Focusing on the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational activities that integrate cultural knowledge and physics concepts. This includes learning and teaching strategies inspired by local practices, games, and community-based experiments. Manuscripts exploring psychological, social, cognitive, and affective aspects of learning physics in culturally relevant ways are encouraged. Studies examining the interaction between learners, teachers, and the cultural context, and how these affect conceptual understanding and engagement in physics, are particularly welcome. Issue & Trend of Ethnophysics: Consisting of analytical, interpretive, or persuasive essays on contemporary educational, social, or philosophical issues related to ethnophysics. This section aims to foster informed dialogue on how cultural knowledge influences physics education and its implications for curriculum design, pedagogy, and policy. Manuscripts may take the form of literature reviews, bibliometric studies, position papers, opinion essays, or creative commentary, addressing current trends, challenges, and debates in ethnophysics. Ethnophysics in Education: This field examines how cultural, social, and identity-related factors influence and are influenced by the teaching and learning of physics. It investigates how learners from diverse cultural backgrounds experience and engage with physics education, how cultural beliefs and identities affect understanding, and how educational approaches can respect, reflect, and leverage cultural diversity. Research in this area ensures that physics education is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and effective in bridging gaps between traditional knowledge and modern science. Gamification in Ethnophysics: This section focuses on the design, application, and evaluation of gamified learning strategies that incorporate concepts from ethnophysics. It explores how game elements, mechanics, and digital or physical simulations can enhance motivation, engagement, and conceptual understanding of physics within cultural and local contexts. Research may include studies on serious games, game-based learning, augmented reality games, and role-playing activities that integrate cultural practices and traditional knowledge to create immersive and effective physics learning experiences. The Journal Editorial Board invites any manuscript addressing a relevant science education topic that employs an established and recognized scholarly approach and also impacts or is generalizable to national and international populations. All manuscripts must provide a thorough review of the literature that establishes the research problem or the issue at hand as well as a thorough conclusion that addresses the implications and limitations of the research or argument.
Articles
10 Documents
Analysis of Physical Concepts in Nganjuk Tourism Banyu Biru Hot Springs
Galuh Dwi Krisanti;
Siti Nur Aisah;
Adrian Bagas Damarsha;
Nadi Suprapto;
Setyo Admoko;
Kifle Kassaw Mulatu
Journal of Ethnophysics Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): January
Publisher : Prodi S2 Pendidikan Fisika Universitas Negeri Surabaya
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DOI: 10.26740/joe.v1i1.46723
Banyu Biru hot springs is one of the tourist attractions in Gondangwetan Village, Jatikalen District, Nganjuk Regency, which has geothermal manifestations in the form of hot springs, which indicate the existence of a geothermal reservoir below the surface. This study aims to analyze the physics concepts found in Banyu Biru hot spring tourism, as well as the physics that shapes it. This study uses qualitative research in the form of a literature review. The research was conducted by collecting library sources, classifying data, managing data, citing references, abstracting data, interpreting data, and drawing conclusions. Based on the results and discussion, it can be concluded that the Banyu Biru hot springs are a local culture in the Nganjuk Regency area. The formation of the Banyu Biru hot springs was influenced by the location of Nganjuk Regency which is between Mount Wilis and Mount Pandan. Based on the location of Nganjuk Regency, it is possible that it has something to do with the volcanic activity of the volcano. The geothermal phenomenon at the Banyu Biru hot springs was discovered after drilling a well to irrigate the rice fields. The hot water has a temperature of approximately 37°C with a depth of 250-300 meters. Apart from that, the Banyu Biru hot springs in Nganjuk Regency can be studied physically, namely there are concepts regarding geothermal energy, geothermal energy, geothermal systems, conduction and convection. This study can raise public awareness of local cultural identity through the integration of local wisdom into physics education.
The Nyadran Tradition Based on Ethnoscience as the Local Wisdom of the Balongdowo Community of Sidoarjo
Handika Tusuka Putra;
Utama Alan Deta;
Setyo Admoko
Journal of Ethnophysics Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): January
Publisher : Prodi S2 Pendidikan Fisika Universitas Negeri Surabaya
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DOI: 10.26740/joe.v1i1.46730
This study uncovers the hidden physics within the Nyadran tradition, an Indonesian ritual of ancestral homage. Moving beyond formulas, we employ an ethnoscience lens to reveal how this enduring local wisdom actively preserves and demonstrates core scientific principles. The research method used is descriptive qualitative in this case using journals with various primary data and interviews as secondary data in the data collection process. It is known that the stages of the Nyadran tradition can be analyzed using the concept of physics. The research results obtained are the preparation stage there is an optical concept at the time of installing the lights, the departure stage is the concept of displacement and equilibrium of rigid bodies and land winds, the stage of disposal of a chicken and larung offerings is the concept of floating objects from Archimedes' law, the stages of pilgrimage to Dewi Sekardadu's tomb are displacement, the stages of searching for kupang have the concepts of effort and energy, the stages of returning home have the concepts of displacement and sea breeze. Our findings illuminate the Nyadran not merely as a cultural practice, but as a living, applied physics lesson, offering a powerful model for contextualizing science education and appreciating the ingenuity embedded in tradition.
Etnophysics and Water Conservation Values in the Ruwat Ritual of Jolotundo Temple toward SDG 6
Putri Lintang Utami
Journal of Ethnophysics Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): January
Publisher : Prodi S2 Pendidikan Fisika Universitas Negeri Surabaya
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DOI: 10.26740/joe.v1i1.46732
This study explores the concept of etnophysics in the context of the Ruwat ritual at the Jolotundo Temple, focusing on its relevance to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The Ruwat ritual, a traditional Javanese purification ceremony centered around sacred water, embodies deep physical, ecological, and spiritual values. Through qualitative ethnographic methods this research identifies the implicit physics concepts underlying the ritual practices. The findings reveal that the Ruwat ritual not only represents a form of cultural heritage but also reflects indigenous knowledge systems that align with sustainable water management practices. By interpreting these local traditions through an ethnophysics lens, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating cultural wisdom into science education and environmental conservation. This integration provides a contextualized learning model that strengthens students’ understanding of physics concepts while fostering awareness of sustainability and cultural identity. The research concludes that the Ruwat ritual of Jolotundo Temple serves as a living example of how local culture can contribute to global sustainability goals, particularly in promoting responsible water use and conservation ethics.
Ethnophysics Analysis of the “Wiwit Padi” Tradition in Lamongan, East Java
Anggita Rusmaya;
Putri Lintang Utami
Journal of Ethnophysics Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): January
Publisher : Prodi S2 Pendidikan Fisika Universitas Negeri Surabaya
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DOI: 10.26740/joe.v1i1.46744
This research explores the ethnophysical aspects embedded in the Wiwit Rice Tradition practiced by the agrarian community of Lamongan, East Java. The study aims to identify and analyze physics concepts manifested in traditional agricultural activities as part of Indonesia’s rich local wisdom. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through literature studies, observations, and semi-structured interviews with local farmers and community elders. The findings reveal that the Wiwit Rice Tradition reflects several fundamental physics principles, including force, pressure, torque, friction, and heat transfer. For example, cutting rice stems using a sickle demonstrates the application of pressure and mechanical work, while drying rice in sunlight illustrates heat radiation and energy transformation. These physical phenomena are integrated with cultural values of gratitude, harmony with nature, and sustainability. The results highlight that ethnophysics can bridge scientific understanding and cultural practice, offering contextual and meaningful learning experiences. By incorporating such traditions into physics education, students can better comprehend scientific principles through real-life cultural phenomena while fostering respect for local heritage. This study concludes that the Wiwit Rice Tradition provides valuable insights into how indigenous practices embody scientific knowledge, supporting the development of culturally responsive and sustainability-oriented science education.
Identification of Physics Concepts in the Local Wisdom of Cowek Pottery Making in Gedangan, Lamongan
Azizatul Nur Rohmah;
Adrian Bagas Damarsha;
Kifle Kassaw Mulatu;
Oka Saputra
Journal of Ethnophysics Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): January
Publisher : Prodi S2 Pendidikan Fisika Universitas Negeri Surabaya
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DOI: 10.26740/joe.v1i1.48826
Cultural heritage is an important part of shaping community identity because it reflects history, values, and unique ways of life. One example is the craft of cowek pottery. However, globalization has caused communities to slowly abandon local cultural values. Therefore, preserving local wisdom is necessary, one of which can be done through integration into school learning. Physics education has great potential to promote local wisdom because many physics concepts are directly related to traditional practices. This study aims to explore the physics concepts found in the process of making cowek pottery in Gedangan Village, Lamongan, and identify their potential as sources of contextual learning. The research uses a qualitative descriptive method with an ethnographic approach, involving two cowek craftsmen selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and literature study. Data analysis employed the Miles and Huberman model, which includes data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The study results show that each stage of cowek production involves physical concepts such as plasticity, pressure, friction, centripetal force, work and energy, changes in form, and heat transfer. The cowek making process also presents various physical phenomena that can help students understand concepts more concretely and meaningfully, making it highly potential as a contextual learning resource. These findings confirm that traditional activities are closely linked with the application of physics laws. Thus, local wisdom in cowek making can be utilized as a relevant and actual learning resource to support students’ understanding of physics concepts in everyday life.
Thermal Performance and Natural Ventilation in Javanese Joglo Architecture: A Systematic Literature Review from an Ethnophysics Perspective
Qurrota A'yun;
Rahmatta Thoriq Lintangesukmanjaya;
Oktamia Ramadhani;
Hidayatul Lathifah;
Dwikoranto Dwikoranto;
Lindsay Natalia Bergsma
Journal of Ethnophysics Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): July
Publisher : Prodi S2 Pendidikan Fisika Universitas Negeri Surabaya
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DOI: 10.26740/joe.v1i2.51159
Traditional Javanese Joglo architecture is widely recognized for its climatic adaptability; however, systematic understanding of its thermal performance and natural ventilation mechanisms, particularly from an ethnophysics perspective, remains limited and fragmented, with existing studies addressing cultural interpretations and building-physics performance separately. This study aims to synthesize existing research on the thermal and ventilation performance of Joglo and Joglo-type Javanese architecture and to interpret the findings through the lens of ethnophysics, linking cultural architectural practices with underlying physical principles. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA framework, resulting in six Scopus-indexed open-access studies published between 2017 and 2025. The reviewed studies employed computational simulations, field measurements, and qualitative analyses to examine indoor thermal conditions, airflow behavior, architectural geometry, and material characteristics. The synthesis reveals that thermal comfort in Joglo and Joglo-type architecture is primarily achieved through passive strategies. The reviewed evidence suggests that comfort is driven more by airflow and heat exchange processes than by substantial reductions in indoor air temperature. Wind-driven horizontal ventilation dominates in Joglo architecture, while comparative vernacular cases demonstrate complementary buoyancy-driven and material-mediated airflow mechanisms. These findings indicate that traditional architectural forms embody empirically grounded applications of heat transfer and fluid mechanics developed through cultural adaptation. Ethnophysics bridges traditional architecture, building physics, and physics education by linking Joglo design with heat transfer and airflow principles. This review helps readers understand indigenous architecture as applied physics, supporting physics education, sustainable design, and interdisciplinary research on vernacular adaptation.
Exploring Physics Concepts in Songkok Recca Craft of the Bugis People in Bone South Sulawesi
Azhar Arsyad
Journal of Ethnophysics Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): July
Publisher : Prodi S2 Pendidikan Fisika Universitas Negeri Surabaya
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DOI: 10.26740/joe.v1i2.52173
Songkok Recca is a handicraft product of the Bugis Bone People of South Sulawesi and is an intangible cultural heritage in Indonesia. Songkok Recca contains various physics concepts that can be explored scientifically. Physics learning is often considered difficult for students, so there needs to be evaluation through the contextual and meaningful learning approach provided to help students form better understanding of physics concepts. This research aims to identify the physics concepts involved in the process of making Songkok Recca crafts and explore their potential in physics learning in a contextual manner. The method used in this research is a literature review research with data used as a source from various literature on the topic being studied. Based on the research that has been conducted, the physics concepts found in the Songkok Recca craft include force, pressure, work and energy, momentum and impulse, and equilibrium. The results of the research show that the Songkok Recca crafts of the Bugis Bone People of South Sulawesi can be used as a meaningful source of contextual physics learning. This research contributes to the development of ethnophysics by providing a comprehensive scientific interpretation of Songkok Recca crafts. In addition, the integration of Songkok Recca in physics learning is expected to improve the ability to understand concepts, physics literacy, and appreciation of local culture for students.
The Implementation of Glocalization Learning Using Mayang Rontek Dance from Mojokerto to Improve Students' Science Literacy
Irsyad Yusuf Santoso;
Pradipta Ramadhan Putra Wirawan;
Hasan Subekti;
Beni Setiawan;
Maharani Agustina Arivi
Journal of Ethnophysics Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): July
Publisher : Prodi S2 Pendidikan Fisika Universitas Negeri Surabaya
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DOI: 10.26740/joe.v1i2.52941
This study investigates the implementation of glocalization learning using the Mayang Rontek Dance of Mojokerto to improve junior high school students’ scientific literacy. The novelty of this research lies in applying a glocalized ethnoscience approach through the Mayang Rontek Dance beyond its original cultural setting. A pre-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design was employed involving 45 students. Data were collected through validation sheets, observation sheets, scientific literacy tests, and student response questionnaires, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, a paired-samples t-test, and N-gain analysis. The results showed that the teaching modules and instructional materials were highly feasible, with most validation aspects scoring above 90%, although the student worksheet (LKPD) component obtained the lowest score (75%). The implementation of the glocalization learning model was categorized as very good. Statistical analysis revealed a significant improvement in students’ scientific literacy skills (t = 4.993, p < 0.001), with the mean score increasing from 48 on the pretest to 70 on the posttest and an N-gain value of 0.42 (moderate category). The greatest improvement occurred in students’ ability to evaluate scientific information and make decisions based on credible evidence. Student responses were highly positive, particularly regarding the systematic presentation (97.78%) and clarity of illustrations (95.56%). These findings indicate that Mayang Rontek Dance-based glocalization learning is feasible and effective for enhancing scientific literacy while supporting local cultural preservation.
Exploration of Mechanical Energy in the Pletokan Traditional Game as Ethnophysics Based Learning Media
Icha Fauzyah Rossiana;
Habibi Habibi;
Galuh Aryseno
Journal of Ethnophysics Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): July
Publisher : Prodi S2 Pendidikan Fisika Universitas Negeri Surabaya
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DOI: 10.26740/joe.v1i2.53764
The integration of local culture in science learning through an ethnophysics approach can create contextual and meaningful learning experiences. However, studies specifically exploring the concept of mechanical energy in traditional games are still limited. This study aims to explore the concept of mechanical energy in the traditional Pletokan game and analyze its potential as an ethnophysics-based physics learning medium. The novelty of this research lies in the exploration of potential energy, kinetic energy, and mechanical energy concepts in the Pletokan game from an ethnophysics perspective. This study used a descriptive qualitative approach with an exploratory design. Data were collected through observation, documentation, and literature studies related to the mechanism of the Pletokan game and the physical phenomena occurring during gameplay. The results showed that the Pletokan game contains concepts of potential energy, kinetic energy, mechanical energy, and energy transformation. These concepts appear during the process of air compression, projectile motion, and the emergence of the characteristic “pletok” sound. The findings indicate that the Pletokan game has the potential to be used as an ethnophysics-based physics learning medium that connects physics concepts with local culture in a contextual way. This study implies that traditional games can support innovative physics learning while preserving local cultural values.
An Ethnophysics Exploration of Traditional Marble Games: Analysis of Momentum and Impulse Concepts
Talitha Rizki Salsabila;
Habibi Habibi;
Luna Syarifa Nathania
Journal of Ethnophysics Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): July
Publisher : Prodi S2 Pendidikan Fisika Universitas Negeri Surabaya
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DOI: 10.26740/joe.v1i2.53767
Physics learning is often perceived as abstract and less relevant to students’ daily lives, resulting in low motivation and conceptual understanding. One approach that can overcome this problem is ethnophysics, which integrates physics concepts with local culture and traditional activities. This study aims to explore the concept of momentum in traditional marble games through an ethnophysics approach. This research used a qualitative descriptive method with an exploratory design. Data were collected through observation, documentation, and literature studies related to ethnophysics, traditional marble games, and momentum concepts. The novelty of this study lies in the specific analysis of momentum concepts in traditional marble games, which has rarely been explored in previous ethnophysics studies. The results showed that momentum and Impulse concepts appear during the movement and collision of marbles in the game. The magnitude of momentum is influenced by the mass and velocity of the marbles, where larger marbles produce greater momentum and faster-moving marbles generate stronger collisions. These findings indicate that traditional marble games can be used as contextual and meaningful physics learning resources on momentum concepts. This study contributes to the development of ethnophysics-based learning through the integration of local culture into physics education.