The Use of Alternative Animation and 3-D Model in Teaching Photosynthesis

The study aimed to make an alternative animation and three dimensional models as instructional materials and use them in teaching photosynthesis topic to determine their effectiveness in different levels of assessment specifically in Knowledge, Process, Understanding and Performance. Sixty Grade 8 students who were officially enrolled in the academic year 2014-1015 comprised the participants of the study. The students were randomly assigned into two groups. The experimental group was composed of the students who were exposed to the alternative animation and 3-D model of chloroplast, light reaction and dark reaction of photosynthesis. The control group, on the other hand, was composed of the students who were exposed to pictures which illustrate the light and dark reaction of photosynthesis. The study employed a quasi-experimental design. The instruments used were the teacher-made test and the lesson plan in teaching photosynthesis. The lesson plan used was in accordance with the constructivist approach specifically the 5E model for the experimental and control group. The test followed the K to 12 guidelines in the assessment and rating of students' learning outcome. The study came up with the following findings: More students exposed to the alternative animation and 3-D model of light and dark reaction of photosynthesis demonstrate excellent competence in the knowledge level than the students who were exposed to 2-D models. The students in experimental and control group have excellent competence in the process assessment. There is a significant difference between the mean score of both groups in the understanding level of assessment. Majority of the students in both groups are in the "Beginning" and "Developing" level of proficiency in transferring their knowledge gained in solving real-world problems through the performance of real-world tasks. Moreover, there is a significant difference between the mean score of both groups in the over-all learning outcomes of the students.