Learning Conductor and Insulator Through Maze Runner

The Maze Runner is aimed at tackling the lack of mastery that the students of Batu Empat Primary School have on the theory of conductors and insulators in the science syllabus. They find it difficult to distinguish between conductors and insulators theoretically in the classroom setting. Teacher-centred lessons can also lead to less effective learning. To overcome this problem, we suggest learning activities that involve games outside the classroom. Thus, the Maze game that has a playful aspect will be more interesting as students will do activities that involve physical movement.

The students are required to conduct tests to practice the theory of conductors and insulators to be able to get out of the Maze. The expected learning outcome from this activity is that students can state at least four conductive materials and express the concepts of the conductive and insulating materials using the accurate terms through investigative and problem-solving activities. The Maze is built using natural branches, biodegradable netting, and recycled cardboard materials. Subsequently, this will inadvertently encourage the students to be more frugal by using nature’s resources.

The expected learning outcome from this activity is that students can state at least four conductor materials and express the concepts of conductive and insulating materials using accurate terms through investigative and problem-solving activities. We also assume that the students have recognized the way to build a complete electrical circuit. There is some scientific knowledge that the students will learn such as to observe the state of the circuit, to acquire problem-solving skills, to predict the state of the light bulb when the circuit is connected to the conductive material, and to use and handle science equipment and materials correctly.

Through the Maze game, we wanted to highlight education through the concept of fun interactive learning. Although the learning of conductors and insulators can be done in the classroom theoretically, it will be much more interesting if the students can do outdoor activities that involves physical movement, mental excitement, and emotional thrills. The Maze game allows the students to get immediate answers on which objects are conductors or insulators by conducting several experiments through the conductor test and buzz wire. They will be instantly rewarded with a signal to show the way out of the Maze. Thus, the students can engage more frequently and with greater enthusiasm as they strive to get out of the Maze.

We used natural materials such as branches from around the school grounds in the construction of this Maze. In addition, the use of black netting in the construction of the maze wall is also recycled from agricultural projects around the local area. The black net is made from material that is biodegradable and it is also an environmentally friendly material that is not like other plastics that are harmful to the environment. In addition, many recycled materials are used in the construction of conductor tests. Almost 80 percent of the materials used are surplus boxes that are no longer used. We also try to minimize the use of plastic in the creation of a project.