^Exploring Pre-Service Physics Teachers^ Visual Conceptions of Solar Cells through Generative AI: A Narrative Representation Approach
Arip Nurahman(a* d), Ida Kaniawati(a), Eka Cahya Prima(a), Endi Suhendi(b), Chun Yen Chang (c), Surya Gumilar(d), Dadan Sumardani(c), Chi Jung Sui(c), Marison Manalu(c), Asni Siahaan(c), Rizky Maulana (a,c)

a. Department of Science Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229 Bandung 40154
Jawa Barat - Indonesia(aripnurahman18[at]upi.edu)
b. Department of Physics, UPI Bandung
c. GISE National Taiwan Normal University
d. Department of Physics Education, IPI Garut

Abstract

Developing future science teachers^ capacity to teach complex socio-scientific issues is critical for achieving global sustainability goals. This study investigates how Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) can support pre-service physics teachers in constructing and communicating visual conceptions of climate change and renewable energy solutions, focusing on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC). Conducted with 24 undergraduate students enrolled in a modern physics course, the intervention integrated STEM-ESD-oriented lectures, DSSC hands-on experiments, and AI-based visual representation tasks. Data sources included AI-generated images, student narratives, and focus group interviews, analyzed using qualitative thematic coding and semiotic analysis. Results show that Gen AI facilitated students^ ability to visualize energy conversion mechanisms, link climate change causes and effects with technological solutions, and engage in deeper reflective reasoning. However, inconsistencies between scientific models and students^ depictions persisted, suggesting the need for scaffolding AI use in teacher education. The study demonstrates how combining sustainability-driven physics education with Gen AI can enhance conceptual understanding, visual literacy, and pedagogical preparedness to teach climate-energy issues.

Keywords: Generative AI- Climate Change Education- Solar Cells- STEM-ESD Literacy- Physics Teacher Education- Visual Representation-

Topic: Physics and Physics Education