Simplified Wave Energy Converter: An Apparatus for Teaching Energy Transformation

Aim: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a simplified Wave Energy Converter (WEC) apparatus as an instructional tool for teaching energy transformation.Specifically, it sought to design the device, assess its instructional, technical, and adaptability qualities, and compare the pre-test and post-test performance of students taught with the WEC versus traditional methods.Methodology: A quantitative developmental research design was employed with 60 Grade 9 students from Pangdan National High School.Instruments included a researcher-developed evaluation tool for the WEC apparatus and a test questionnaire for pre-and post-tests.Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to measure instructional impact. Results:The WEC apparatus was developed as a functional, cost-effective, and replicable instructional tool.Expert evaluation yielded "very good" ratings for instructional quality (3.78), technical quality (3.89), and adaptability (3.86).Pre-test results showed both groups performed similarly.Post-test results revealed greater improvement in the experimental group (M = 22.73, SD = 3.34) compared to the control group (M = 18.53,SD = 3.42).Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences (p < 0.05), highlighting the effectiveness of the WEC in enhancing conceptual understanding. Conclusion:The experimental group demonstrated significantly higher gains in learning performance, confirming the WEC apparatus as an effective, low-cost tool for teaching energy transformation in science education.