Online project-based learning on surface tension during Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 outbreak in Indonesia and other countries requires students to study at home and engage in online learning. In this research, the online Project-Based Learning (PBL) model is applied, which facilitates students to learn in online learning and enables them to solve real-world problems in their way. This study used a descriptive qualitative method, which involved 36 students in 10th-grade Vocational School. The data was collected through online observation, product assessment, interviews, and process. The project that the students did was developing experimental devices to measure surface tension in soap or detergent solutions. The stages of online PBL learning in this study: 1) planned and determined the idea of making simple surface tension measurement tools, 2) designed tools, 3) reported the progress of making tools through Google Classroom, and the teacher provided feedback, 4) implemented tools through self-designed experiments students, 5) recorded video of tools making and its implementation, 6) sent video footage through Google Classroom, 7) students presented projects by making the video, and 8) teacher gave an assessment and evaluation of the resulting project. There was no face-to-face interaction of doing project assignments but through online discussion. The results showed that students could make simple surface tension measurement tools and design experiments using these tools. Students could actively participate in learning activities and got learning results above the minimum criteria value. In conclusion, online PBL can be an alternative learning model in situations that require students to be at home.