THE EFFECT OF PBL ASSISTED BY PhET SIMULATION ON CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS IN CLASS VI SCIENCE LEARNING AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN THE BANYUMUDAL CLUSTER, KEBUMEN REGENCY, ACADEMIC YEAR 2022/2023

Problem Based Learning equipped by PhET Simulation multimedia is a factor influencing student's critical thinking skills. The study aimed to examine: (1) the influence of Problem Based Learning equipped by PhET Simulation multimedia on critical thinking skills in natural science to sixth grade students and (2) the effectiveness of Problem Based Learning equipped by PhET Simulation multimedia on critical thinking skills in natural science to sixth grade students. This quantitative research design is quasi-experimental. The samples were 48 students from SDN 2 Panjer and SDN 1 Panjer. The study was conducted in 6 months. The sampling technique used purposive sampling. The results indicated that: (1) on the independent sample t-test, the value of Sig. (2-tailed) was 0.046 <0.05. (2)  On the N-Gain test, the average value was 0.3923. It concludes that there are significant influences and effectiveness of Problem Based Learning equipped by PhET Simulation multimedia on critical thinking skills in natural science to sixth grade students of public elementary schools at Banyumudal Cluster, Kebumen Regency, in academic year of 2022/2023.  This is in line with the advantages of PhET Simulation which makes it easier for students to explore their own knowledge critically. This research can be a reference for future research in the development of students' critical thinking skills.