Integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics Learning in Natural Disaster Earthquake among Form Two Students

Abstract

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is one of the new implemented curriculums in Malaysia. It is therefore essential to promote STEM education in order for students to see the importance of the disciplines; to take opportunity to recognize and apply what is learned in the real world. It is likely that many of the students would be able to solve non-routine problems when exposed to how to think creatively and critically. Studies indicate engineering discipline did not become the focus on integration of STEM although training program for teachers exist. This raises doubts in the understanding of integrated STEM and whether previous studies on STEM do emphasized all aspects of the discipline involved. In our effort to enhance STEM education and to support student learning, we had designed and created an Integrated STEM module with natural disaster, specifically earthquakes as the real world situation. The natural disaster Earthquakes was chosen as of late Malaysia has been hit by this volcanic activity. Furthermore, disaster literacy is still in early stages and more needs to be done to raise the awareness of the impact of natural disaster among school children. To motivate student STEM learning, Project Based Learning (PBL) approach was chosen for the module to be used in an after school learning workshop. The workshop was run by 3 facilitators who have the experience and familiar with STEM education. A study was carried out to investigate perceptions towards STEM learning, in particular to identify the STEM skills, student mastery and acceptance of the integrated STEM learning as well as student attitudes towards the approach. The results showed differences between pre and post tests scores indicating student mastery and positive feedback from them demonstrates their acceptance of the integrated STEM learning. The study provides evidence that the activities proves to be beneficial and more efforts should be taken in determining the compliance of STEM curriculum for enhancing students learning.