Development and Evaluation of Portable Heat Kit: Enhancing Thermodynamics Laboratory Instruction

Abstract

This study developed and evaluated a Portable Heat Kit, along with an accompanying laboratory module, designed to enhance thermodynamics laboratory instruction for Grade 12 STEM students in Senior High School Physics. Thermodynamics is widely recognized as one of the most conceptually challenging areas in physics because students often struggle to connect abstract principles of heat, work, and energy with observable phenomena. To address this challenge, the Portable Heat Kit was designed as an affordable, user-friendly, and curriculum-aligned instructional resource that promotes hands-on, inquiry-based learning. The study was guided by the ADDIE instructional design model and employed a developmental mixed-method research design with a one-group pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental component. 34 Grade 12 STEM students participated in the implementation, while 10 physics education specialists validated the instructional materials and the evaluation instrument. The instrument demonstrated excellent content validity (S-CVI/Ave = 0.93) and high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.89). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired-sample t-tests, whereas qualitative data from focus group discussions and interviews were analyzed thematically. The Portable Heat Kit received high ratings across five evaluation dimensions: effectiveness, durability, functionality, usefulness, and economic value. Students reported that the kit improved engagement, supported collaboration, and helped connect theoretical concepts with practical laboratory experiences. The kit was produced at a cost of ₱810 per unit, making it substantially more affordable than comparable commercial laboratory kits. Although the pre-test and post-test comparison did not yield a statistically significant difference in achievement (p = 0.563), qualitative findings indicated that the kit enhanced motivation, inquiry-based exploration, and active participation during laboratory activities. The study concludes that the Portable Heat Kit is a practical, cost-effective, and pedagogically sound instructional innovation that supports experiential learning in thermodynamics. It is recommended for broader implementation in Senior High School STEM programs and for further investigation through larger-scale and longitudinal studies.