<![CDATA[This study aimed to empirically examine the effect of implementing the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model supported by digital crossword puzzle media on enhancing the creative thinking skills of fifth-grade students in Science and Social Studies (IPAS) at SD Negeri Gugus 2 R.A. Kartini Surakarta in the 2025/2026 academic year. A quantitative approach employing a quasi-experimental design with a Nonequivalent Control Group Design was used as the methodological framework. The population consisted of 165 fifth-grade students, with a sample of 53 students selected through purposive sampling, comprising 25 students in the experimental group and 28 students in the control group. Data were collected through observations, interviews, tests, and documentation. The research instrument, in the form of an essay test measuring creative thinking skills, was confirmed to be valid and reliable, with a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.709. Prior to hypothesis testing, the data met the assumptions through the Shapiro–Wilk normality test and Levene’s Test of homogeneity, followed by comparative analysis using the Independent Samples t-Test. The findings revealed that the mean posttest score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group, namely 71.56 and 58.25, respectively. The results of the independent samples t-test showed that the calculated t-value exceeded the critical t-value (5.061 > 2.008) with a significance value of 0.000 (< 0.05). Therefore, H₀ was rejected and Hₐ was accepted. These findings indicate that the implementation of Project-Based Learning assisted by digital crossword puzzle (Crossword Puzzle/CWP) media had a significant effect on students’ creative thinking skills in IPAS learning. This improvement was supported by the implementation of PjBL syntax integrated with digital crossword puzzle media at every stage of the learning process, encouraging students to actively participate in identifying problems, planning projects, engaging in discussions, developing ideas, and presenting project outcomes.]]>
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