MATILDES: Development of an Inclusive Tactile Media for Teaching Archimedes' Principle to Visually Impaired Students

Upik Rahma Fitri; Fatimah Az Zahra; Hadi Nasbey; Budi Santoso; Andry Fitrian; Mira Ziveria; Lari Andres Sanjaya

doi:10.21009/parameter.381.02

Authors

Upik Rahma Fitri Department of Physics Education, State University of Jakarta, Jalan Rawamangun Muka Raya, Rawamangun, Pulo Gadung District, East Jakarta City, DKI Jakarta,13220, Indonesia
Fatimah Az Zahra Department of Physics Education, State University of Jakarta, Jalan Rawamangun Muka Raya, Rawamangun, Pulo Gadung District, East Jakarta City, DKI Jakarta,13220, Indonesia
Hadi Nasbey Department of Physics Education, State University of Jakarta, Jalan Rawamangun Muka Raya, Rawamangun, Pulo Gadung District, East Jakarta City, DKI Jakarta,13220, Indonesia
Budi Santoso Department of Special Education, State University of Jakarta, Jalan Rawamangun Muka Raya, Rawamangun, Pulo Gadung District, East Jakarta City, DKI Jakarta,13220, Indonesia
Andry Fitrian Department of Physics Education, Universitas Indraprasta PGRI, Jalan Nangka Raya No. 58C, RT 5/RW 5, Tanjung Barat Urban Village, Jagakarsa District, South Jakarta City, DKI Jakarta 12530, Indonesia
Mira Ziveria Department of Information System, Kalbis Institute of Technology and Business, Jalan Pulomas Selatan Kav. No. 22, Kayu Putih, Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta, 13210, Indonesia
Lari Andres Sanjaya Department of Education and Technology, Malaysian Technology University, Jalan Iman, 81310 Skudai, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21009/parameter.381.02

Keywords:

Tactile Media, SAM Model, Archimedes' Principle, Inclusive Education, Blind Students

Abstract

This research aims to develop Archimedes' Law Tactile Media (MATILDES) as an inclusive physics learning medium for blind students in Special Senior High Schools (SMALB). The concept of Archimedes' Law, which explains the conditions of floating, hovering, and sinking, is difficult for blind students to understand because physics lessons are generally presented through visual representations. This research used a Research and Development (R&D) method with the Successive Approximation Model (SAM) consisting of a preparation phase, an iterative design phase, and an iterative development phase. The developed media integrates simple experiments on floating, hovering, and sinking conditions with tactile representations and Indonesian Braille labels (BBIU) to support a multisensory learning experience. The development results show that MATILDES was successfully realized in the form of tactile learning media consisting of a fluid experiment kit, a three-panel tactile board, a Braille-based user guide board, and a mathematical symbol board for density relationships. MATILDES is designed to support more accessible physics learning and help blind students build a more concrete and meaningful understanding of the concept of Archimedes' Law, while strengthening their tactile and kinesthetic sensory skills through hands-on exploration. Expert validation involving physics-education and inclusive-education validators produced feasibility scores of 100% and 93.75% respectively, while a one-on-one trial with five visually impaired students yielded a mean score of 99%, covering media accessibility, safety, and material suitability. Both the expert-validation scores fall within the “Very Feasible” category, and the user-trial score falls within the “Very Good” category, indicating that MATILDES is ready for use in inclusive physics classrooms. The study concludes that combining direct fluid experimentation with tactile and Braille representation offers a practical pathway for teaching abstract physics concepts to learners who cannot rely on visual demonstration.

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