Chimica Didactica Acta, Journal of Chemistry and Chemistry Education
Chimica Didactica Acta (CDA) is an open access journal that provides an international platform for the publication of high-quality research in chemistry and chemistry education. The journal welcomes contributions from all sub-disciplines of chemistry, with a strong emphasis on teaching, learning, laboratory practice, and educational innovation in chemistry across secondary, vocational, and higher education contexts. Chimica Didactica Acta publishes manuscripts that are scientifically sound, methodologically rigorous, and pedagogically meaningful, offering new insights that advance both chemical knowledge and the teaching and learning of chemistry. The journal values studies that bridge theory and practice, particularly those demonstrating clear implications for classroom instruction, laboratory work, curriculum development, or educational policy. Subject coverage includes, but is not limited to, the following areas: General Chemistry Organic Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry Physical Chemistry Analytical Chemistry Biochemistry Environmental and Green Chemistry Industrial and Applied Chemistry Materials and Polymer Chemistry Computational and Theoretical Chemistry (with educational relevance) Chemistry Education and Didactics: Chemistry teaching and learning strategies Curriculum design and development in chemistry Assessment and evaluation in chemistry education Misconceptions and conceptual understanding in chemistry Teacher education and professional development in chemistry Laboratory and Practical Work: Design and implementation of chemistry laboratory activities Inquiry-based and problem-based laboratory learning Safety, sustainability, and green practices in chemistry laboratories Virtual laboratories, simulations, and remote lab experiences Assessment of laboratory skills and competencies Learning Media and Educational Innovation: Development and evaluation of learning media for chemistry instruction Digital tools, simulations, animations, and multimedia resources Integration of ICT, AI-supported tools, and educational technologies in chemistry classrooms Blended, online, and technology-enhanced chemistry learning environments Submissions focusing on educational technology or digital tools must demonstrate clear pedagogical value and originality, beyond the simple reuse of existing platforms or methods. Studies related to laboratory innovation should include a clear educational application and evidence of learning impact. Article Types Chimica Didactica Acta welcomes the following types of submissions: Full Research Articles presenting comprehensive empirical, theoretical, or design-based studies Practice Reports, which may include: Innovative teaching practices or laboratory activities Development or evaluation of learning media Preliminary findings, pilot studies, or well-documented negative results Conceptual frameworks or instructional design studies These formats allow authors to share valuable educational insights that may not yet constitute large-scale studies but offer meaningful contributions to chemistry education practice and research. Review articles are considered upon invitation by the Editor or Editorial Board. Reviews should go beyond descriptive literature summaries and provide critical analysis, synthesis of evidence, identification of research gaps, and forward-looking perspectives for chemistry education and practice. Reviews lacking a strong analytical and reflective component will not be considered for publication.
Articles
12 Documents
<![CDATA[DEVELOPMENT OF E-MODULE BASED ON INTEGRATED PBL WITH STEM APPROACH ON ELECTROCHEMISTRY MATERIAL ]]>
<![CDATA[Risa Dwi Widya]]>;
<![CDATA[Ratu Evina Dibyantini]]>
<![CDATA[ Chimica Didactica Acta Vol. 14 No. 1: June 2026 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Universitas Syiah Kuala ]]>
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DOI: 10.24815/jcd.v14i1.8
<![CDATA[This study aims to determine the validity level of an e-module based on PBL (Problem Based Learning) integrated with the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) approach in the topic of electrochemistry. The research employed a Research and Development (R&D) method, referring to the 4-D development model, which consists of four main stages, define, design, develop, and disseminate. In this study, the development process was limited to the develop stage. The subjects of this study were 2 chemistry teachers, 31 students of class XII IPA 2 SMA Swasta Cerdas Murni, 1 non-test instrument validator, and 7 material and media expert validators consisting of 3 lecturers and 4 chemistry teachers. The instruments used in this study were interview sheets, student needs analysis questionnaires, validation sheets by material and media experts. The data obtained were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques. The validation results showed that the developed e-module was very valid, with an average percentage value of the feasibility aspect of material presentation of 91,5%; the feasibility aspect of language of 94.6%; the feasibility aspect of PBL characteristics of 88.1%; the feasibility aspect of STEM components of 96.4%; the feasibility aspect of component presentation of 92.1%; and the feasibility aspect of graphics of 93.7%. STEM-integrated PBL e-module for electrochemistry is a highly valid and pedagogically sound instructional tool. By successfully meeting rigorous design, linguistic, and structural standards during its development phase, the digital module proves to be completely feasible and ready for effective implementation in high school chemistry education.]]>
<![CDATA[COBALT - MODIFIED NATURAL ZEOLITE AS A HETEROGENEOUS CATALYST FOR ETHYL ACETATE SYNTHESIS ]]>
<![CDATA[Retno Utami]]>;
<![CDATA[Alfieta Rohmaful Aeni]]>;
<![CDATA[Teguh Pambudi]]>;
<![CDATA[Adelia Natasya Regita Nugroho]]>
<![CDATA[ Chimica Didactica Acta Vol. 13 No. 2: December 2025 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Universitas Syiah Kuala ]]>
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DOI: 10.24815/jcd.v13i2.44
<![CDATA[The esterification of acetic acid with ethanol to produce ethyl acetate is an important reaction widely applied in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. However, this process often results in low conversion when performed without an efficient catalyst, as the reaction is reversible and limited by equilibrium. Therefore, developing a stable and active heterogeneous catalyst is essential to enhance the reaction rate and product yield. This study aims to improve the catalytic performance of natural zeolite through modification with cobalt chloride (CoCl₂) using the wet impregnation method to introduce additional active sites and strengthen surface acidity. The modified cobalt-zeolite catalyst was evaluated in the esterification of acetic acid and ethanol at a temperature of 70 °C under various catalyst loadings ranging from 0,25 to 2 grams and reaction times from 15 to 120 minutes. The catalytic performance was analyzed based on acetic acid conversion obtained from titration analysis. The results showed that cobalt impregnation significantly increased catalytic activity compared to both pure and acid-activated zeolites. The optimum condition was achieved using 1 gram of catalyst with a reaction time of 30 minutes, yielding a maximum acetic acid conversion of 92.24 percent. The enhancement in activity is attributed to the formation of new Lewis acid sites and the increased surface acidity caused by cobalt incorporation into the zeolite framework, which facilitates stronger interactions between the catalyst and reactant molecules. The cobalt-modified zeolite exhibited higher structural stability and superior catalytic efficiency, demonstrating that cobalt acts not only as an active site but also as a structural and acidity modifier. In conclusion, cobalt-modified natural zeolite shows great potential as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for ethyl acetate synthesis. Future work is recommended to investigate the reusability, regeneration capability, and long-term stability of the catalyst for continuous and industrial-scale esterification applications.]]>
<![CDATA[SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF METHYLDOPA IN ITS PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS USING OXIDATION-COUPLING REACTION WITH CEFOTAXIME REAGENT ]]>
<![CDATA[Eman Bahjat Basheer]]>;
<![CDATA[Aws Maseer Nejres]]>;
<![CDATA[Sahbaa Younis Majeed]]>;
<![CDATA[Enaam Ahmad Hamdon]]>
<![CDATA[ Chimica Didactica Acta Vol. 13 No. 2: December 2025 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Universitas Syiah Kuala ]]>
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DOI: 10.24815/jcd.v13i2.46
<![CDATA[In order to estimate methyldopa in both its pure form and in pharmaceutical formulations, a very sensitive spectrophotometric approach was developed. The process involves oxidizing methyldopa in an acidic media with an excess of potassium periodate (KIO₄). The cefotaxime reagent was then applied to the released methyldopa, resulting in the formation of a colored complex with maximum absorbance at 408 nm. the linearity of the standard calibration curve in the 1.0–20.0 μg/ml methyldopa concentration range, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9991. The Sandell's sensitivity index was 0.0258 μg/cm², and the molar absorptivity was 8.17×104 L/mol/cm². After calculations, the limits of quantification and detection were determined to be 0.784 and 0.303 μg/mL, respectively. The precision (RSD%) and the recovery were also estimated and found to be in the ranges of 0.639 to 0.941 and 98.97% to 100.77%, respectively. Methyldopa in accessible dosage forms, such as tablets, has been estimated using this method.]]>
<![CDATA[ENHACING STUDENTS’ ACTIVITIES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES THROUGH AUGMENTED REALITY INTERACTIVE MEDIA COMBINED WITH DISCOVERY LEARNING ]]>
<![CDATA[Sri Setiawaty]]>;
<![CDATA[Riska Imanda]]>;
<![CDATA[Muttakin]]>;
<![CDATA[Henni Fitriani]]>;
<![CDATA[Harizki Ananda Putra]]>
<![CDATA[ Chimica Didactica Acta Vol. 13 No. 2: December 2025 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Universitas Syiah Kuala ]]>
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DOI: 10.24815/jcd.v13i2.48
<![CDATA[One critical factor in achieving optimal learning outcomes is using learning media to facilitate active student learning. Therefore, this study aims to examine the use of augmented reality (AR) interactive media in discovery learning to improve student learning processes and outcomes. The approach is qualitative, with a classroom action research type. The research subjects were 12th-grade IV students at MIN 26 North Aceh. This research was conducted in 2 cycles. Observation techniques, tests, and documentation obtained data. This study focuses on the learning process (student activities) and student learning outcomes. The results showed that the learning process (student activities) using interactive media in discovery learning in cycles I and II improved. In line with the improvement in the learning process, student learning outcomes also increased from having sufficient qualifications in cycle I to being well qualified in cycle II. This study concludes that using interactive media in inquiry learning can improve the process of student activities. The learning process becomes more lively because two-way communication is established, and students' active participation makes learning more meaningful and powerful. The learning syntax in discovery learning can facilitate students using interactive media because it can stimulate students to be active in learning. Students are encouraged to identify material in the media, and using interactive learning, discovery learning changes teacher-oriented learning to student-oriented learning. This positively impacts student learning outcomes, which increase as the learning process increases]]>
<![CDATA[EFFECT OF SEARCH, SOLVE, CREATE, AND SHARE (SSCS) LEARNING MODEL ON STUDENTS’ HIGHER ORDER THINKING SKILLS AND PSYCHOMOTOR SKILLS ]]>
<![CDATA[Wandira Kinanti]]>;
<![CDATA[Ayu Rahmi]]>;
<![CDATA[Ratna Unaida]]>;
<![CDATA[Henni Fitriani]]>;
<![CDATA[Sirry Alvina]]>
<![CDATA[ Chimica Didactica Acta Vol. 13 No. 2: December 2025 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Universitas Syiah Kuala ]]>
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DOI: 10.24815/jcd.v13i2.55
<![CDATA[This study aims to determine the effect of the Search, Solve, Create, and Share (SSCS) model on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) and psychomotor skills of students in acid-base material. The study was conducted in the odd semester of the 2024/2025 academic year. This study used a quasiexperimental design with a non-equivalent control group. The sampling technique used purposive sampling. The research sample consisted of two classes, namely the experimental class and the control class, with 34 students in each class. The data collection instruments used were chemistry HOTS test questions and psychomotor observation sheets. The results showed that the HOTS and psychomotor skills of students in the experimental class using the SSCS model were better than those in the control class using the Direct Instruction model. The hypothesis test using the F test showed that the sig value was 0.000 < 0.05, so H0 was rejected and Ha was accepted, indicating that the SSCS learning model had a simultaneous effect on students' HOTS and psychomotor skills. The implications of this study indicate that the SSCS model can be used as an alternative effective learning model to improve students' higher-order thinking skills and practical skills in chemistry learning, and can be applied to other materials that require analysis, problem solving, and laboratory activities.]]>
<![CDATA[UTILIZING INSECTS TO SOLVE CRIMINAL CASES: A REVIEW ]]>
<![CDATA[Sri Adelila Sari]]>;
<![CDATA[Naji Arafat Mahat]]>;
<![CDATA[Feri Yuni Asiyah Kabeakan]]>;
<![CDATA[Hanisah Hasibuan]]>
<![CDATA[ Chimica Didactica Acta Vol. 13 No. 2: December 2025 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Universitas Syiah Kuala ]]>
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DOI: 10.24815/jcd.v13i2.62
<![CDATA[This article presents a comprehensive review of forensic insect species found in Indonesia, focusing on their habitats and their crucial roles in criminal investigations. Employing a literature review method and descriptive-qualitative analysis, the researchers discovered that environmental factors could accelerate cadaver decomposition and shorten the life cycle of forensic insects. Specifically, fly species from the family Chrysomya megacephala were identified as the primary colonizers of remains. However, this study also highlights the limitations of existing research in Indonesia, particularly concerning insect succession patterns (the order in which insects arrive on a cadaver) and Post Mortem Interval (PMI) estimation (the approximate time of death). Furthermore, the application of molecular approaches for insect identification remains very limited. These findings underscore an urgent need for further development in the field of forensic entomology in Indonesia. Enhancing research facilities, training skilled human resources, and creating local species databases are essential steps to maximize the potential of insects in assisting legal proceedings]]>
<![CDATA[DEVELOPMENT OF A PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING E-MODULE INTEGRATED WITH SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) ON HYDROCARBON TOPICS ]]>
<![CDATA[Resiama Insani Purba]]>;
<![CDATA[Ratu Evina Dibyantini]]>
<![CDATA[ Chimica Didactica Acta Vol. 13 No. 2: December 2025 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Universitas Syiah Kuala ]]>
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DOI: 10.24815/jcd.v13i2.73
<![CDATA[This study aims to determine the validity of a Problem-Based Learning (PBL)-based e-module integrated with the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) approach for hydrocarbons. The method used is Research and Development (R&D), referring to the 4-D development model, which consists of four main stages: define, design, develop, and disseminate. The development model used is limited to the development stage. The subjects in this study were two chemistry teachers, 35 grade XI-4 students of SMA Negeri 5 Pematangsiantar, and six validators, consisting of three lecturers and three chemistry teachers, as material and media experts. The instruments used in this study were interview sheets, student needs analysis questionnaires, and validation sheets by material and media experts. The data obtained were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques. The validation results showed that the developed e-module was very feasible, with an average percentage value of the feasibility aspect of material presentation of 88.5%; the feasibility aspect of language of 89.6%; the feasibility aspect of PBL characteristics of 90.3%; the feasibility aspect of STEM components of 92.7%; the feasibility aspect of component presentation of 87.5%; and the feasibility aspect of graphics of 89.6%. and the results of student responses show that the developed e-module is very good, with an average percentage value of the e-module display aspect of 90.71%; the presentation aspect in the e-module of 88.98%; and the benefit aspect of 93.81%.]]>
<![CDATA[POLYMER MEMBRANES AS SEPARATORS FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ]]>
<![CDATA[Romario Abdullah]]>;
<![CDATA[Dinia Astira]]>;
<![CDATA[Alvin Romadhoni Putra Hidayat]]>
<![CDATA[ Chimica Didactica Acta Vol. 14 No. 1: June 2026 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Universitas Syiah Kuala ]]>
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DOI: 10.24815/jcd.v14i1.1532
<![CDATA[The separator plays a critical role as a physical barrier between the anode and cathode while simultaneously serving as an ion transport medium. Therefore, properties such as porosity, wettability, mechanical strength, and thermal stability are key parameters that determine battery performance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of polymer-based membrane separators for lithium batteries. The literature survey was performed following the PRISMA framework using publications retrieved from Google Scholar between 2010 and 2026, with studies selected based on their relevance to separator materials, fabrication methods, characterization techniques, and electrochemical performance. Conventional polyolefin based separators, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), have been widely utilized. Beyond polyolefins, alternative polymers including cellulose acetate and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) have also been developed for lithium battery separators. Each polymer exhibits distinct physicochemical characteristics, leading to varied performance when employed as a separator. A range of characterization techniques has been employed to evaluate separator properties, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Galvanostatic Charge Discharge (GCD). Furthermore, the development of membrane separators has been significantly advanced through the incorporation of inorganic materials into the polymer matrix. The inclusion of such inorganic fillers has been shown to enhance thermal stability and wettability, thereby improving overall separator performance. Moreover, the utilization of nanoscale materials is strongly recommended to achieve superior and optimized electrochemical performance.]]>
<![CDATA[EFFECT OF pH ON THE COAGULATION EFFICIENCY OF POLYAMIDE MICROPLASTICS USING CHITOSAN DERIVED FROM MUD CRAB SHELLS ]]>
<![CDATA[Denada Sabilla]]>;
<![CDATA[Indang Dewata]]>
<![CDATA[ Chimica Didactica Acta Vol. 14 No. 1: June 2026 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Universitas Syiah Kuala ]]>
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DOI: 10.24815/jcd.v14i1.1609
<![CDATA[This study investigates the effect of pH on the coagulation performance of polyamide (PA) microplastics using chitosan derived from mangrove crab shell (Scylla serrata) as a natural coagulant. Chitosan was synthesized through demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation processes and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The degree of deacetylation (DD) obtained was 81.15%, indicating successful conversion of chitin to chitosan. Coagulation experiments were conducted at pH 1–9 to determine the optimum condition. The results showed that pH significantly influenced the removal efficiency, with the highest efficiency achieved at pH 5 (91.9%), followed by a slight decrease at neutral and alkaline conditions. The lower efficiency at extreme acidic and basic conditions was attributed to suboptimal interaction between chitosan and microplastic particles. These findings demonstrate that chitosan derived from crab shell waste is an effective and environmentally friendly coagulant for polyamide microplastic removal, with optimal performance under mildly acidic conditions.]]>
<![CDATA[THE EFFECT OF KAHOOT GAME-BASED MEDIA ON THE LEARNING INTEREST AND LEARNING OUTCOMES OF 10th-GRADE STUDENTS ON THE CONCEPT OF PETROLEUM ]]>
<![CDATA[Latifah Hanum]]>;
<![CDATA[Nabilah Amanda]]>;
<![CDATA[Sri Winarni]]>;
<![CDATA[Richa Purmaya Sari]]>;
<![CDATA[Zulfadli Zulfadli]]>
<![CDATA[ Chimica Didactica Acta Vol. 14 No. 1: June 2026 ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Universitas Syiah Kuala ]]>
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DOI: 10.24815/jcd.v14i1.1684
<![CDATA[Chemistry learning, particularly on the petroleum topic, is often considered difficult by students because it involves abstract concepts that contribute to low learning interest and learning outcomes. This condition indicates the need for interactive learning media that can create a more engaging learning environment and increase student involvement during the learning process. This research aimed to investigate the effect of the Kahoot game-based learning media on students’ learning interest and learning outcomes in the petroleum topic at State Senior High School 7 Banda Aceh. This study employed a quasi-experimental method with a post-test only control group design. The research sample consisted of two classes, namely an experimental class and a control class, each comprising 36 students. Data were collected through questionnaires to measure learning interest and tests to measure students’ learning outcomes. The collected data were analyzed using statistical tests, including normality tests, homogeneity tests, independent samples t-tests, and correlation tests. The results indicated that students in the experimental group achieved significantly higher learning outcomes (M = 69.17, SD = 14.61) than those in the control group (M = 61.11, SD = 18.48), t(70)=2.05, p=.044, suggesting a statistically significant difference between the two groups. In addition, the Pearson correlation test yielded a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.542 with a significance value of 0.001 (< 0.05), indicating a positive relationship between students’ learning interest and learning outcomes. Therefore, the use of Kahoot was associated with higher learning interest and learning outcomes in the petroleum topic.]]>
