Science learning at the early childhood education (PAUD) and elementary school levels, particularly in 3T (disadvantaged) areas such as South Papua, is plagued by a serious problem: a learning process that is still theoretical, non-contextual, and disconnected from students' real environments. This condition causes students to simply memorize science concepts without understanding their relevance. This gap ironically occurs amidst the wealth of local wisdom (such as the stone-burning tradition and sago processing) that is rich in scientific value, yet its potential has not been optimally utilized as a visual and manipulative learning medium. This study focuses on exploring the scientific values ????in South Papuan local wisdom as a fundamental basis for developing contextual science learning media. The important stages of this research adopt a simplified Borg & Gall R&D model, including a preliminary study, exploration of science values ????through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies at Santa Maria Fatimah Kindergarten and SDN 1 Merauke, prototype design, expert validation, and limited practicality testing. Data were analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldana model. Key findings identify various cultural practices relevant to science concepts (heat transfer, changes in matter, ecosystems). This research produced a local wisdom map, a media prototype, and an initial model for culture-based science integration. It concluded that South Papuan local wisdom has great potential to be used as a valid and practical contextual science medium, which not only strengthens scientific understanding but also supports Freedom to Learn. ABSTRAKPembelajaran IPA di jenjang PAUD dan SD, khususnya di daerah 3T seperti Papua Selatan, dilatarbelakangi oleh masalah serius yakni proses belajar yang masih teoritis, tidak kontekstual, dan terlepas dari lingkungan nyata siswa. Kondisi ini menyebabkan siswa hanya menghafal konsep sains tanpa memahami relevansinya. Kesenjangan ini terjadi ironisnya di tengah kekayaan kearifan lokal (seperti tradisi bakar batu dan pengolahan sagu) yang sarat nilai ilmiah, namun potensinya belum dimanfaatkan optimal sebagai media pembelajaran visual dan manipulatif. Penelitian ini berfokus untuk mengeksplorasi nilai-nilai sains dalam kearifan lokal Papua Selatan sebagai basis fundamental pengembangan media pembelajaran IPA kontekstual. Tahapan penting penelitian ini mengadopsi R&D model Borg & Gall yang disederhanakan, meliputi studi pendahuluan, eksplorasi nilai sains melalui observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan studi dokumentasi di TK Santa Maria Fatimah dan SDN 1 Merauke, perancangan prototipe, validasi ahli, serta uji kepraktisan terbatas. Data dianalisis menggunakan model Miles, Huberman, dan Saldana. Temuan utama mengidentifikasi beragam praktik budaya yang relevan untuk konsep IPA (perpindahan kalor, perubahan zat, ekosistem). Penelitian ini menghasilkan peta kearifan lokal, prototipe media, dan model awal integrasi sains berbasis budaya. Disimpulkan bahwa kearifan lokal Papua Selatan sangat potensial dijadikan media IPA kontekstual yang valid dan praktis, yang tidak hanya memperkuat pemahaman ilmiah tetapi juga mendukung Merdeka Belajar.