Journal of Science Learning
Vol 3, No 3 (2020): Journal of Science Learning

STEM-Focused Activities to Support Student Learning in Primary School Science

Neslihan Ultay (Department of Elementary Education, Faculty of Education, Giresun University, Giresun)
Arzu Zıvalı (Department of Elementary Education, Faculty of Education, Giresun University, Giresun)
Hilal Yılmaz (Department of Elementary Education, Faculty of Education, Giresun University, Giresun)
Hilal Konçuy Bak (Department of Elementary Education, Faculty of Education, Giresun University, Giresun)
Kezban Yılmaz (Department of Elementary Education, Faculty of Education, Giresun University, Giresun)
Melek Topatan (Department of Elementary Education, Faculty of Education, Giresun University, Giresun)
Pelin Gül Kara (Department of Elementary Education, Faculty of Education, Giresun University, Giresun)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Jul 2020

Abstract

This study examines the effect on student academic success through teaching the "Let's Know the Matter" grade 3 science unit accompanied by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)-focused activities. The study group consisted of 24 third grade students studying in the 2019-2020 academic year. Teaching was done with a 5E (enter, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate) instructional model, and student opinions about the STEM activities were collected. A group pretest-posttest research design was used in which the "Let's Know the Matter Test (MT)" was administered at the beginning to measure the students' prior knowledge, and again at the end of the unit to determine what students had learned. Their opinions of the lessons taught with STEM-focused activities were collected using a semi-structured interview technique. Qualitative data were divided into appropriate categories under common themes. It was observed that the 5E instructional model contributed to their academic success. Also, it was found that their opinions about the lessons taught with STEM activities were quite positive. Based on the results obtained from the research, it is suggested that STEM activities be used in the teaching of other topics.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jslearning

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

Journal of Science Learning (JSL) (ISSN 2614-6568) is an open access and peer-reviewed journal published by Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. The work collaborates with Indonesian Society for Science Educators. It serves original articles on the latest issues and trends in high quality research and ...