Natural Physics Laboratory: Ethnoscience Perspective on the Simbang Batu Game of the Rokan Hulu
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55927/vjscfj79Keywords:
Ethnoscience, Ethnophysics, Traditional Games, Simbang Batu, Physics LearningAbstract
This research aims to describe the ethnoscientific values contained in the traditional Simbang Batu game of the Rokan Hulu community, identify the physics concepts that appear in the game, and explain its potential as a source of physics learning based on local culture. Research with qualitative methods of ethnographic research. Data were obtained through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, documentation, and literature studies. The research informants were selected using purposive sampling techniques, namely community leaders, cultural actors, and people who understand the Simbang Batu game. The data analysis uses the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, while the validity of the data is by triangulation of sources and techniques. The results of research on the traditional Simbang Batu game contain various physics concepts, including the equilibrium of rigid objects, center of mass, gravitational force, frictional force, pressure, and system stability. This shows that society has applied the principles of physics in culture without using formal scientific terminology. In addition, the Simbang Batu game has the potential to be a source of contextual physics learning that connects abstract concepts with students' cultural experiences
References
Afkarina, N., & Sudarti, S. (2021). Ethnophysics in local wisdom-based physics learning: A review study. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1832(1), 012041.
Aikenhead, G. S., & Jegede, O. J. (2019). Cross-cultural science education and indigenous knowledge integration. Science Education International, 30(3), 191–200.
Asra, R., & Akmal, A. (2021). Traditional Malay games as contextual learning media based on local culture. Journal of Social Education, 8(2), 122–131.
Asra, R., Putra, D., & Akmal, A. (2021). Local wisdom integration in contextual science learning. Indonesian Journal of Education, 10(4), 556–567.
Astuti, I. A. D., Sumarni, W., & Supartono, S. (2022). Ethnophysics approach in contextual physics learning: Strengthening students' conceptual understanding. Indonesian Journal of Science Education, 11(2), 220–230.
Caprara, G. V., & Zimbardo, P. G. (2004). Personalizing politics: A congruency model of political preference. American Psychologist. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.59.7.581
Dewi, N. R., Sumarni, W., & Astuti, B. (2021). Ethnoscience learning in physics education: A systematic review. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1918(5), 052048.
Diener, E. (2000). Subjective well-being: The science of happiness and a proposal for a national index. American Psychologist. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.34
Fraenkel, J. R., Wallen, N. E., & Hyun, H. H. (2019). How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education (10th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Haryanto, S., & Nugroho, A. (2022). Traditional games as innovative media in science learning. International Journal of Instruction, 15(3), 771–786.
Haerani, S., Parmitasari, R. D. A., Aponno, E. H., & Aunalal, Z. I. (2019). Moderating effects of age on personality, driving behavior towards driving outcomes. International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHRH-08-2017-0040
Isnaniah, S., & Masniah, M. (2023). Ethnoscience in learning based on local wisdom. Indonesian Journal of Science Education, 11(1), 55–68.
Kesumah, Y., Rahman, A., & Sari, M. (2025). Traditional games as contextual physics learning resources in ethnoscience perspectives. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 24(1), 145–160.
Khoiri, A., Sunarno, W., & Sajidan, S. (2021). Integrating ethnoscience into physics learning to improve students’ critical thinking skills. International Journal of Instruction, 14(3), 117–134.
Koentjaraningrat. (2020). Introduction to Anthropology. Jakarta: Rineka Cipta.
Lusardi, A., Mitchell, O. S., & Curto, V. (2010). Financial literacy among the young: Evidence and implications. National Bureau of Economic Research, 358–380. Retrieved from https://www.nber.org/papers/w15352.pdf
Moleong, L. J. (2021). Qualitative Research Methodology. Bandung: Remaja Rosdakarya.
Nasution, S., & Yusmaridi, M. (2022). Indigenous science and local wisdom in Indonesian education. Indonesian Journal of Science Education, 11(1), 1–10.
Novitasari, D., Wahyuni, S., & Mahardika, I. K. (2019). Ethnoscience approach in physics learning through local culture. Journal of Physics Learning, 8(3), 145–152.
OECD. (2023). PISA 2022 Results: The State of Learning and Equity in Education. Paris: OECD Publishing.
Parmin, P., Nuangchalerm, P., & El Islami, R. A. Z. (2020). Exploring indigenous knowledge as ethnoscience learning sources in science education. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1567(2), 022061.
Prasetyo, Z. K., & Widiyatmoko, A. (2021). Contextual learning through ethnoscience integration. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 10(2), 456–463.
Putra, P. D. A., Sudarti, S., & Subiki, S. (2022). Ethnoscience-based physics learning and students’ conceptual understanding: A literature study. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 11(3), 412–421.
Rahmawati, Y., Ridwan, A., & Hadinugrahaningsih, T. (2022). Developing students’ scientific literacy through ethnoscience learning integrated with local wisdom. International Journal of Instruction, 15(1), 455–472.
Rumiati, R., Hasanah, U., & Siregar, N. (2021). The existence of local wisdom in the era of globalization. Journal of Social Studies Education Research, 12(4), 233–248.
Sabri, M. F., & MacDonald, M. (2010). Savings Behavior and Financial Problems among College Students: The Role of Financial Literacy in Malaysia | Sabri |Cross-cultural Communication. Crosscultural Communication. https://doi.org/10.3968/j.ccc.1923670020100603.009
Sihombing, R., Hutagalung, F., & Simanjuntak, M. (2025). Local culture integration in physics learning to improve scientific literacy and critical thinking skills. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 21(2), em2456.
Snively, G., & Corsiglia, J. (2020). Indigenous knowledge and science education revisited. Cultural Studies of Science Education, 15(1), 1–15.
Sudarmin. (2018). Character Education, Ethnoscience and Local Wisdom. Semarang: FMIPA, Semarang State University.
Sugiyono. (2022). Qualitative Research Methods. Bandung: Alfabeta.
Sumarni, W., Supartono, S., & Wardani, S. (2023). Local wisdom and ethnoscience approach in science learning: Strengthening contextual physics learning. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 19(4), em2247.
Sumarni, W., Supartono, S., & Wardani, S. (2023). Local wisdom and ethnoscience approach in science learning: Strengthening contextual physics learning. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 19(4), em2247.
Suryani, N., & Agung, L. (2021). Traditional games and cultural values in education. Journal of Educational Research and Evaluation, 5(2), 201–210.
UNESCO. (2022). Culture and Education: Integrated Approaches for Sustainable Development. Paris: UNESCO Publishing.
Widodo, A., & Riandi, R. (2020). Ethnoscience and contextual science learning in Indonesia. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, 13(5), 731–745.
Yusuf, M., & Fitriani, A. (2024). Physics learning through local wisdom and ethnophysics approach. Indonesian Journal of Physics Education, 20(1), 33–45.
Zulkarnaen, Z., & Handayani, S. (2023). Preservation of local culture through ethnoscience-based education. Journal of Education and Culture, 28(2), 188–199.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Nurhikmah Sasna Junaidi, Hasnah Faizah, Mahdum Adanan, Hermandra, Elmustian (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
