Utama Alan Deta, Ananda Dwi Pratiwi, Ardian Asyhari, Nurita Apridiana Lestari, Budi Jatmiko, Arie Realita
Indonesia has made notable progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on quality education. However, ensuring equitable access to quality education remains a significant challenge. One promising avenue is integrating local wisdom into science education, such as through the traditional otok-otok boat game. This study examines the physics principles embedded in this game using an experimental and ethnophysics approach, aiming to support inclusive and culturally relevant learning. The research involved student-led experiments with manipulated variables, including water temperature and observed boat movement. Results show that the boat moves more slowly at lower temperatures due to reduced heat transfer from the candle to the water. At room temperature, motion becomes more stable, while higher temperatures result in faster movement as heat is transferred more efficiently, leading to quicker energy depletion. Thus, the otok-otok boat is an engaging educational tool to teach core physics concepts such as heat transfer and thermal dynamics. Integrating such traditional games into the curriculum not only enriches students’ scientific understanding but also contributes to cultural preservation and the advancement of inclusive, high-quality education aligned with the SDGs. © 2026 Author(s)
Doctoral Program of Science Education, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia; Undergraduate Program of Physics Education, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia; Undergraduate Program of Physics Education, Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Intan Lampung, Bandar Lampung, Indonesia
