Enhancing inquiry skills in astronomy via VBA-based modeling within a STEM framework: evidence from grade 11 students.

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Title: Enhancing inquiry skills in astronomy via VBA-based modeling within a STEM framework: evidence from grade 11 students.
Authors: Shugayeva, Tilektes1 (AUTHOR), Spivak-Lavrov, Igor2 (AUTHOR), Taspenova, Aigerim2 (AUTHOR), Kambarova, Zhanar3 (AUTHOR) kambarovazht@gmail.com, Tussupbekova, Ainura3 (AUTHOR)
Source: Frontiers in Education. 2026, p1-14. 14p.
Subject Terms: *Inquiry method (Teaching), *Astronomy education, *STEM education, *Secondary education, *Data analysis, Microsoft Visual Basic (Computer program language), Mathematical models, Sun
Reviews & Products: Microsoft Excel (Computer software)
Abstract: This study investigates how inquiry-oriented mathematical modeling can support the development of upper secondary students' research skills in astronomy, focusing on the phenomenon of day and night duration. The study presents an instructional approach using a VBA-based Excel tool to calculate day length, solar culmination height, and relative solar energy. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated through the quasi-experimental study based on motivational-orientational, operational-activity, and reflective-evaluative criteria. The results demonstrate statistically significant improvements in students' inquiry-related skills, particularly in data interpretation, hypothesis formulation, and reflective evaluation (p < 0.05; Cohen's d = 1.35). The findings show that 86.4% of students achieved high or medium levels of operational skills, while 90.9% demonstrated well-developed reflective-evaluative competencies. The study concludes that the VBA-based modeling environment effectively enables students to transition from passive observation to active inquiry, bridging the gap between theoretical astronomical concepts and independent data interpretation. This study is framed within the STEM education paradigm, emphasizing the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in fostering students' inquiry skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Frontiers in Education is the property of Frontiers Media S.A. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Education Research Complete
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  Data: This study investigates how inquiry-oriented mathematical modeling can support the development of upper secondary students&#39; research skills in astronomy, focusing on the phenomenon of day and night duration. The study presents an instructional approach using a VBA-based Excel tool to calculate day length, solar culmination height, and relative solar energy. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated through the quasi-experimental study based on motivational-orientational, operational-activity, and reflective-evaluative criteria. The results demonstrate statistically significant improvements in students&#39; inquiry-related skills, particularly in data interpretation, hypothesis formulation, and reflective evaluation (p &lt; 0.05; Cohen&#39;s d = 1.35). The findings show that 86.4% of students achieved high or medium levels of operational skills, while 90.9% demonstrated well-developed reflective-evaluative competencies. The study concludes that the VBA-based modeling environment effectively enables students to transition from passive observation to active inquiry, bridging the gap between theoretical astronomical concepts and independent data interpretation. This study is framed within the STEM education paradigm, emphasizing the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in fostering students&#39; inquiry skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: &lt;i&gt;Copyright of Frontiers in Education is the property of Frontiers Media S.A. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder&#39;s express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.&lt;/i&gt; (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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RecordInfo BibRecord:
  BibEntity:
    Identifiers:
      – Type: doi
        Value: 10.3389/feduc.2026.1859913
    Languages:
      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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      Pagination:
        PageCount: 14
        StartPage: 1
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Inquiry method (Teaching)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Astronomy education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: STEM education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Secondary education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Data analysis
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Microsoft Visual Basic (Computer program language)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Mathematical models
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      – SubjectFull: Sun
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Microsoft Excel (Computer software)
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: Enhancing inquiry skills in astronomy via VBA-based modeling within a STEM framework: evidence from grade 11 students.
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            NameFull: Shugayeva, Tilektes
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            NameFull: Spivak-Lavrov, Igor
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            NameFull: Taspenova, Aigerim
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            NameFull: Kambarova, Zhanar
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            NameFull: Tussupbekova, Ainura
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            – D: 09
              M: 07
              Text: 2026
              Type: published
              Y: 2026
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