Journal of Innovation and Research in Primary Education
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026)

Project-Based Learning as a Catalyst for Creativity Development in Integrated Science and Social Studies at Primary Level

Arif Khamidah (Universitas Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa)
Ana Fitrotun Nisa (Universitas Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 Apr 2026

Abstract

In the era of Kurikulum Merdeka, creativity remains a critical yet underdeveloped competency in elementary Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam dan Sosial (IPAS) learning, often limited by conventional methods. Project-Based Learning (PjBL) offers a promising approach to foster creative thinking through authentic, inquiry-driven projects. This qualitative descriptive study involved 28 fifth-grade students at SDN Rejowinangun 1, Yogyakarta, during May 2025. Data were collected via observation, semi-structured interviews, documentation of project artifacts, and a creativity rubric assessing fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. Analysis followed Miles and Huberman's interactive model. PjBL implementation in a solar system arrangement project significantly improved creativity, with post-intervention modal score of 4 (very creative) at 42%. Students showed increased idea generation, collaborative innovation, and detailed elaboration, alongside high engagement and unexpected creative deviations. Findings align with constructivist and cooperative learning theories, extending prior evidence on PjBL in science education to integrated IPAS contexts. The model effectively bridges knowledge gaps in Kurikulum Merdeka implementation.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jirpe

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Other

Description

Journal of Innovation and Research in Primary Education (JIRPE) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that publishes original research and review articles primarily but limited to the area of elementary school education. It brings together academics and researchers from different countries who ...