The effectiveness of STEM-Based Science Teaching Materials in Improving elementary School Students’ Science Literacy

Abstract

Science capability in Indonesia remains below expectations. Science mastery is limited to knowing the facts without being able to connect them to other, more complicated scientific concepts. Science exists to shape mindsets, behavior, and human character so that they can care for themselves, society, and the universe. In order to understand and solve problems, teaching materials that focus on life situations and global issues are required for implementation. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of STEM-based science teaching materials on students’ scientific literacy. This study employed a quantitative research design with a quasi-experimental research design. The Pretest-Posttest Control Group design was used. In this study, a test was used to measure students’ scientific literacy skills by having them answer pretest and posttest questions given to students in the control and experimental classes. Using STEM-based science teaching materials could increase scientific literacy of students with an N-gain score of 70.55 (high), but students who did not use STEM science teaching materials only had an N-gain score of 52.20 (medium). Based on data analysis, it was discovered that using STEM-based science teaching materials was very helpful in enhancing students’ scientific literacy.