IJIET 2025 Vol.15(10): 2140-2148
doi: 10.18178/ijiet.2025.15.10.2412
doi: 10.18178/ijiet.2025.15.10.2412
Strategic Teaching of Astronomy: Reaching Space Thru Virtual Reality in Grade 9 Science (STARS VR-9)
Sherryl M. Montalbo*, Baby Apple P. Perada, Kristine Hazel L. Peñaverde, and Anthony Parayno
College of Teacher Education, Batangas State University, Batangas City, Philippines
Email: sherryl.montalbo@g.batstate-u.edu.ph (S.M.M.); 21-57909@g.batstate-u.edu.ph (B.A.P.P.); 21-52362@g.batstate-u.edu.ph (K.H.L.P.); 21-50293@g.batstate-u.edu.ph (A.P.)
*Corresponding author
Email: sherryl.montalbo@g.batstate-u.edu.ph (S.M.M.); 21-57909@g.batstate-u.edu.ph (B.A.P.P.); 21-52362@g.batstate-u.edu.ph (K.H.L.P.); 21-50293@g.batstate-u.edu.ph (A.P.)
*Corresponding author
Manuscript received October 2, 2024; revised November 22, 2024; accepted June 6, 2025; published October 17, 2025
Abstract—Astronomy explores celestial bodies and the laws that govern the universe, but its abstract concepts often challenge students’ understanding and interest, leading to disengagement. Traditional teaching methods often fail to convey effectively the vastness of astronomical concepts. This study developed and evaluated a Virtual Reality (VR)- integrated teaching material for Grade 9 Science, focusing on its content, VR integration, perceived usefulness, ease of use, and behavioral intention to use. Additionally, it examined students’ experiences in learning astronomy. Using mixed—methods design, data were gathered through standardized and researcher-made questionnaires and interviews. The reliability of the instruments was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha, and data were analyzed using weighted means. The participants were Grade 9 science teachers and 48 students from Sta. Rita National High School, Division of Batangas City, Philippines. Results indicated that the material was well-aligned with the Department of Education’s Learning Competencies, and the integration of VR significantly enhanced student engagement. VR was deemed effective, user-friendly, and fostered strong intentions among students to continue its use in studying astronomy. Students reported that VR improved their understanding, increased engagement and interaction, and heightened their interest in learning astronomy.
Keywords—virtual reality, science education, astronomy, educational technology, instructional materials development
Copyright © 2025 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).
Keywords—virtual reality, science education, astronomy, educational technology, instructional materials development
Cite: Sherryl M. Montalbo, Baby Apple P. Perada, Kristine Hazel L. Peñaverde, and Anthony Parayno, "Strategic Teaching of Astronomy: Reaching Space Thru Virtual Reality in Grade 9 Science (STARS VR-9)," International Journal of Information and Education Technology, vol. 15, no. 10, pp. 2140-2148, 2025.
Copyright © 2025 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).