BATIK (Batang Interaktif Kapilaritas): Educational Media for Learning Concepts of Structure and Mechanisms of Water Transport in Plants

Abstract

Science education at the junior high school level is often abstract, making it difficult for students to understand the structure and function of plant tissues and the process of water transport. BATIK (Batang Interaktif Kapilaritas) is a new innovation that integrates biology and physics concepts through the visualization of the capillary process in plants. This study aims to develop an innovative three-dimensional learning medium called BATIK (Interactive Capillary Stem) to help students understand the relationship between the structure of leaves, stems, and roots in the water absorption process, and to relate it to the principles of capillarity, adhesion, and cohesion in a concrete and interactive manner. The uniqueness of this media lies in the presence of water-absorbing sponge elements and simple measuring tools that allow students to directly observe the water absorption process. This research uses the Research and Development (R&D) method with a 3D model (Define, Design, Develop). The validation results show a media feasibility level of 91.2% (very feasible category). This media is considered to help teachers explain the concept of capillarity in a concrete manner, attract students' interest in learning, and train scientific process skills. Thus, BATIK media is suitable for application in junior high school/MTs science learning as an innovative tool for understanding the mechanism of water transport in plants