SkyLabs Kids: Development and Evaluation of an Interactive Web-Based Learning Platform for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics in Primary Education
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Geographical and climatic vulnerabilities in tropical archipelagic regions such as Indonesia necessitate early foundational literacy in Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (MCG). However, conventional instructional materials for elementary students often present atmospheric and geophysical dynamics in an abstract, non-interactive manner. To address this educational gap, this research presents the design, technical implementation, and empirical evaluation of SkyLabs Kids, a responsive web-based interactive learning platform specifically targeted at primary school students (grades 4–6). The platform integrates structured introductory MCG modules, 3D and Virtual Reality (VR) instrument simulations, gamified problem-solving environments, automated formative quizzes, real-time rainfall monitoring dashboards utilizing 10-minute Automatic Rain Gauge (ARG) data, and a child-friendly conversational AI pedagogical companion. Developed under a decoupled software architecture leveraging Python/FastAPI, PostgreSQL, Three.js, Canvas API, and HTML5 localStorage, the platform eliminates user onboarding friction through an unauthenticated access model. Black-Box functional testing demonstrated full compliance across all architectural modules and responsive viewports. Empirical user evaluation involving 50 elementary school students revealed exceptional reception, achieving an 89.2% platform engagement index, an 84.0% material comprehensibility index, and an overall usability score of 86.6% (categorized as Excellent). Interactive mini-games and 3D/VR simulations accounted for 76% of student feature preferences, underscoring the efficacy of immersive and gamified tools in primary STEM education.
Authors: Kgs Fadhil Fadhlur Rohman, Edward Trihadi
Topic: Multimedia Learning Systems
Subfield: Information Systems
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204489737
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