Scientific Skills Research Articles

Supporting Early Childhood Preservice Teachers to Effectively Integrate STEM in Their Future Teaching Practice

I t is critical that teachers are equipped with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills and knowledge as we move into a digital future. By integrating STEM into early childhood education, we can provide young children with invaluable opportunities to build their scientific knowledge from the very start, setting them up for success in their later STEM educational journeys. However, many educators within early childhood settings find it challenging to create engaging STEM-based activities for young children. Unfortunately, there is a scarcity of information on how teacher educators can support preservice teachers in developing their STEM competence. This study examined the perspectives of early childhood preservice teachers (PSTs) regarding their confidence and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) in integrating STEM into their teaching practice. Utilising a qualitative multi-case study approach, semi-structured interviews with 11 PSTs and a document analysis of their assignment tasks and teaching artefacts were conducted to deepen our understanding of PCK skills. Data were analysed using Bryman’s thematic analysis, revealing key themes through a narrative analysis of PSTs’ responses. Several crucial themes emerged, with PSTs acknowledging that embedding STEM content into both theoretical classwork and practical placement significantly enhanced their content knowledge and confidence when teaching STEM in early childhood settings. It is essential for future research to explore and expand university–preschool partnerships to create immersive STEM experiences that benefit preservice teachers and future in-service teachers in this field.

Developing a conceptual model for students’ scientific civic engagement self-concept

ABSTRACT To prepare students to meet challenges of the twenty-first century, science educators must equip students with science literacy skills and the means to apply those skills to benefit their communities, i.e. science civic engagement (SCE) with dimensions of civic knowledge, civic confidence, civic action and civic value. In a college-level science literacy course we investigated students’ SCE self-concept (SCE-SC) or how they envision their ability to use their science knowledge and skills to impact their communities using a pre and post-instruction Likert-scale self-report instrument along with one open-response question. We found in students’ written response describing their SCE-SC that while students may not consistently identify mechanisms for using science to help their communities, they do believe that science skills will benefit their communities. We also observed positive relationships between SCE-SC and both science identity and perceived cohesion to a community, suggesting these are important aspects of SCE-SC development. While overall SCE-SC did not increase after the completion of the science literacy course, we did observe a significant increase in scientific civic knowledge. We suggest that classroom experiences aimed at supporting civic engagement teach science skills through examples grounded in salient community contexts.

Pengaruh Penggunaan Alat Peraga Pembentukan Urine Terhadap Kemampuan Literasi Sains Siswa SD

In Indonesia, according to the 2022 PISA results, students' scientific literacy is in a low category, equivalent to the results obtained in 2006, and is ranked 68th out of 81 countries. Based on existing problems, innovation is needed to increase scientific literacy, one of which is using science teaching aids. This research examines the effect of using urine formation teaching aids on the scientific literacy abilities of grade IV students at SDN 2 Riang Bandung. In this research, the method used is a quantitative method in which the research experiments with a one-group pretest-posttest design, and the data collection techniques are in the form of observation, tests, and documentation. The data processing technique was obtained through test instrument testing and hypothesis testing. From processing this data, the normality test value was obtained, which had a pretest value of 0.171, then the post-test value was 0.051, which stated that the value was normal. Then the homogeneity test which has a pretest value of 0.075 which is explained that the value is greater than 0.05 which is stated that the value is homogeneous. Finally, the paired sample t-test has a pretest value of 0.000, which means the value is smaller than 0.05. Thus it can be stated that the null hypothesis value (Ho) is rejected and the hypothesis (Ha) is accepted. Hypothesis testing proves that using urine formation props on the scientific literacy skills of elementary school students has a great influence on class IV of SDN 2 Riang Bandung.

Assessment Of Scientific Reasoning-Communication Skills (Sr-Cs) Test on Work and Energy Concept: Development, Content Validity and Rasch Model Analysis

Studies indicate that scientific reasoning assessments are still rarely integrated as higher-level assessments and new science education standards in school instruction. This study aims to develop a scientific reasoning skills test instrument that is integrated with a scientific communication skills test instrument (SR-CS test) on work and energy concept. This study used the ADDIE procedure. The research procedure consists of five stages including analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating. The initial draft of SR-CS test consisted of 14 multiple choice scientific reasoning skills (SRS) questions and 8 open-ended scientific communication skills (SCS) questions. The results of the expert judgement were analyzed using the content validity index (CVI) and obtained a value of 0,94 (very suitable) for the SRS instrument and 0.97 (very suitable) for the SCS instrument. After being revised based on the expert suggestions, the test instrument was tested on 25 students (15 girls,10 boys) aged 16-17 years. The trial data were analyzed using the Rasch Model to obtained item fit (validity), reliability, distinction level, and difficulty level. The results show that 14 questions of SRS instrument have item validity and 8 questions of SCS instrument have item validity. Besides that, the item reliability of the SRS and SCS test instrument is 0.79 and 0.91, respectively. Meanwhile, the person reliability is 0.82 (SRS) and 0.91 (SCS). Therefore, the SR-CS test is valid and reliable so that it can be used to measure scientific reasoning skills and scientific communication skills of students in further research.

Development of STEM-based Worksheets on Global Warming to Improve Students' Scientific Reasoning Ability

Scientific reasoning is a thinking skill that students need in the 21st century to prepare them for global challenges. The research aims to develop STEM-based worksheets (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) on global warming, which is expected to improve students' scientific reasoning skills. This research includes the Research and Development (R&D) method. This research describes the validity of the worksheet conducted by two Physics Education study program experts. The results show that the STEM-based worksheet is very valid, averaging 93.29%. Thus, the STEM-based worksheet on the topic of global warming that has been designed can be used in high school learning to improve students' scientific reasoning skills.

Metagenomics education in a modular CURE format positively affects students' scientific discovery perception and data analytical skills.

Targeted metagenomics is a rapidly expanding technology to analyze complex biological samples and genetic monitoring of environmental samples. In this research field, data analytical aspects play a crucial role. In order to teach targeted metagenomics data analysis, we developed a 4-week inquiry-driven modular course-based undergraduate research experience (mCURE) using publicly available Australian coral microbiome DNA sequencing data and associated metadata. Since an enormous amount of metadata was provided alongside the DNA sequencing data, groups of students were able to develop their own authentic research questions. Throughout the course, the student groups worked on these research questions and were supported with bioinformatics and statistics lessons. Additionally, practical aspects of data collection and analysis were addressed during hands-on field work on a nearby Dutch beach. Evaluation of the course indicated that the majority of students (1) achieved the intended metagenomics-based learning outcomes and (2) experienced scientific discovery while working on their research projects. In conclusion, the huge amount of data and metadata available in the coral microbiome data set facilitated the development of a strongly inquiry-driven course. Different groups of students were able to develop and conduct their own distinct microbiome research projects and our current mCURE format positively affected students' metagenomics data analytical skills and scientific discovery perception.

Development of Thematic Learning Using the Field-Trip Method Assisted by the Surrounding Environment to Improve Students' Scientific Literacy Abilities

The purpose of this study is to produce learning tools with a field-trip learning method assisted by the surrounding environment to improve students' scientific literacy skills. The learning tool developed in this class VI material has the theme of saving living things with the subtheme of plants, friends. Development device learning refers to the Borg & Gall model which consists of 7 steps. Thematic learning tools with the field-trip method assisted by the surrounding environment were validated by 3 expert validators in the fields of science, language and instructional design learning so that results that met the following valid success criteria were obtained: Syllabus 4.48 (very good category), RPP 3.95 (good category), student teaching materials 3.81 (good category), and LKS 4.35 (very good category). The results of the effectiveness test of the learning tool were carried out on grade VI students of SDN Dampyak 02, resulting in an increase in scientific literacy skills of 4.14 (good category). Effectiveness was also obtained when teachers managed learning by 4.56 (very good category). The level of practicality of the field trip method during learning was 4.14 (good category), 4.30 (very good category). Thus, the overall learning tools of the field trip method developed are valid, effective, and practical.

Development of the concept-process model and metacognition via FAR analogy-based learning approach in the topic of metabolism among second-year undergraduates

Abstract Metacognition is a critical cognitive skill in learning science. Numerous studies indicate that learners with high metacognitive abilities tend to excel in scientific skills, such as their capacity to construct scientific models. This study aims to compare students’ ability to construct concept-process models before and after participating in analogy-based learning using the Focus-Action-Reflection (FAR) method on the topic of metabolism. Additionally, the study investigates the relationship between students’ ability to construct conceptual process models and their metacognitive skills. The sample consisted of 137 second-year students enrolled in a basic biochemistry course, selected through cluster sampling. The research instruments included a process model construction assessment and the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI). The data were analyzed using paired sample t-tests and correlation analysis. The results showed significant improvement in students’ ability to construct conceptual process models, with an average learning gain of 16.5 %. Statistical analysis indicated a significant increase in test scores after the instructional activities. Furthermore, Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between learning progress and metacognitive skills, particularly in the use of information management strategies (IMS) and debugging strategies (DS). These findings emphasize the importance of integrating metacognitive skill development into science education, particularly in fostering students’ ability to construct conceptual process models – an essential tool for enhancing science learning outcomes.

THE EFFECT OF INQUIRY LEARNING MODEL GREEN-SCHOOL BASED TO THE STUDENT’S SCIENTIFIC LITERACY SKILLS CATEGORY

This study aims to determine the effect of the green school-based inquiry learning model and the categories of students' scientific literacy skills. Scientific literacy is a critical skill that students need to face the challenges of the 21st century. This research uses a mixed-method approach with a sequential explanatory design, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The study was conducted in grade V with 27 students at SDIT El Haq Sidoarjo. The hypothesis test results using the t-test obtained a significance value of 0.000 0.05, thus rejecting H0 and accepting H1. It was concluded that there is a significant influence between the inquiry learning model and students' scientific literacy skills. The students' scientific literacy skills were at levels 3, 4, 5, and 6. The categories of students' scientific literacy skills were as follows: level 3 at 15%, level 4 at 15%, level 5 at 44%, and level 6 at 26%.

What’s in it for citizen scientists? An Analysis of Participant Inclusivity in Citizen Science Projects in Advanced Physics Research

Citizen science projects optimise the democratisation of the production of scientific knowledge. In these initiatives, research processes do not rely solely on scientists’ but on citizens’ engagement, likewise with benefits on both sides. As previous work shows, the inclusivity perspective of citizen science projects might be viewed critically as some groups of citizens tend to be overrepresented in these initiatives while others are left out. This paper explores the claim of inclusivity and the citizens’ benefits based on four citizen science projects in the fields of astrophysics and particle physics on the citizen science platform Zooniverse. Besides a general engagement strategy, the citizen science projects addressed two groups specifically, the elderly and people with visual impairments. The claim for inclusivity is reflected in the analysis of citizens’ demographic variables as an indicator for accessibility of the research projects. We used a pre-post design with questionnaires on science attitudes, motivations, skills, self-efficacy, and knowledge to assess what citizen scientists gained from participating in the project. The demographic analysis of the data reveals that participants were quite heterogeneous and that people who feel that they belong to a group that is discriminated against are particularly motivated to participate in citizen science projects. In terms of benefits, the results indicate knowledge and scientific skills gains, but no changes on other evaluative dimensions. Their attitude towards science was, in general, already rather positive when joining the projects, thus not leaving much room for change. These results confirm the importance of and call for a diversified citizen science engagement strategy and show that even in citizen science projects where the citizens’ task is limited to classifying data lead to scientific knowledge and skills gains.

Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar IPA melalui Model Inquiry pada Materi Perubahan Benda di SD An Nuriyah

The low learning outcomes of 6th grade students of SD Islam An-Nuriyah Jagakarsa on the material of changes in science subjects is the main problem of this study. In addition, traditional learning is less able to encourage critical thinking, critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills. The purpose of this study was to improve the learning outcomes of 6th grade students of SD Islam An-Nuriyah Jagakarsa on the material of changes in science subjects. To improve critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving skills, science learning is very important. The inquiry-based learning model is used because it has the ability to encourage students to participate in the active learning process and explore the material independently. This study was designed as a classroom action research (CAR), with two cycles that include planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The research instruments included observation sheets, learning outcome tests, and documentation. The results showed that student learning outcomes increased significantly. Although the average score of students was still below standard during the first cycle, they increased significantly during the second cycle. In addition, in activities such as asking questions, discussing, and experimenting, students showed an increase in desire and encouragement to participate. In conclusion, the inquiry-based learning model improves students' academic achievement in addition to improving their scientific process skills. There is evidence that implementing this model can significantly improve the quality of science learning in elementary schools.

A course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) embedded within a summer undergraduate research experience demonstrates value-added benefits.

We hosted a nine-week NIH-funded summer undergraduate research experience in Environmental Health Sciences, the New College Environmental Health Science Scholars program, in which undergraduate students who were rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors receive both professional development and mentored research opportunities. In addition to this standard model of a summer research program, we added an additional professional development and skill-building activity, a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) performed by the whole group. Students designed and carried out an experiment in the CURE research project looking at the relationship between soil elemental content and sampling site location. They worked collaboratively over several days on experimental design, the experiment itself, data analysis, and finally, poster design for dissemination. The CURE is intentionally different from any mentored research experiences so that students obtain additional and varied research skills from the summer program. Qualitative and quantitative feedback was positive. Additionally, students worked with different students than those in their research lab, broadening their network. In conclusion, a CURE embedded in a summer research program is an effective pedagogical tool for science and additional skill building and enriches an existing summer research program.

Exploring soil-buoyancy interactions: experimental designs and educational implications for enhancing students’ scientific inquiry skills

Exploring soil-buoyancy interactions: experimental designs and educational implications for enhancing students’ scientific inquiry skills

Examination of prospective teachers’ views, attitudes, and practices towards the history and philosophy of science course

The history and philosophy of science course is among the very important courses for prospective teachers in terms of understanding the development of science, evaluating its social and cultural context, developing scientific thinking skills, and better understanding and teaching scientific knowledge. Studies on this subject are important in terms of teaching planning and development. This research aimed to examine prospective teachers’ opinions, attitudes and practices towards the history and philosophy of science course. The study group, conducted within the scope of a special case study, consists of 54 prospective teachers studying at a state university in different programs in the 2020-2021 academic year. An opinion form prepared by taking expert opinions, the history of science attitude scale and lesson plans prepared by prospective teachers were used as data collection tools. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted and recorded with six prospective teachers. The data obtained from the opinion form, interviews and lesson plans were analyzed qualitatively and codes, categories and themes were created. The findings obtained were interpreted and supported by direct quotations. The data obtained from the attitude scale was analyzed with the SPSS program. The findings revealed that the attitudes towards the history and philosophy of science course were generally positive, the course content was sufficient, and the prospective teachers found the course fun, interesting, intriguing, and very useful in terms of questioning and developing different perspectives. In line with the results obtained, suggestions were made to educators and researchers.

The Implementation of Problem-Based Learning with Multimedia for Improving Scientific Process Skills

Introduction: Learning problems in the subject of energy and its changes where there are still students who have difficulty understanding it and lack of science process skills. Learning with a scientific process is needed to solve problems and produce a product in the form of a concept. One of them is by implementing the Problem Based Learning learning model. This research aims to determine the improvement in science process skills students in Indonesian elementary school in the 2023/2024 academic year. Participants were a classroom teacher and 23 students, consisting of 13 male and 10 female students.Methods: The data used are qualitative and quantitative data. This study uses a classroom action research method. Data collection techniques use observation and interviews. Data validity uses triangulation of sources and techniques. This study was conducted in three cycles with five meetings. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through observation and interviews. Data analysis was carried out using three stages consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions.Results: The results showed an increase in science process skills in the natural and social science subject among students when the Problem Based Learning model with multimedia was implemented. The average percentage of science process skill indicators in cycle I was 71.52%, cycle II = 82.89%, and cycle III = 89.79%.Conclusions: It can be concluded that the application of the Problem Based Learning model with multimedia can improve 4th-grade students’ scientific processing skills skills in the natural and social science subject in the 2023/2024 academic year

An In-depth Analysis of Science Teachers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Skills Towards Cognitive Conflict Strategies, Multiple Representations Model, and Misconception Remediation Strategies in Terms of Demographic Aspects

An In-depth Analysis of Science Teachers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Skills Towards Cognitive Conflict Strategies, Multiple Representations Model, and Misconception Remediation Strategies in Terms of Demographic Aspects

MICROSCÓPIO USB DE BAIXO CUSTO NO LABORATÓRIO DIDÁTICO DE ELETROQUÍMICA: DOIS EXPERIMENTOS CLÁSSICOS SOB UM NOVO (MICRO) OLHAR

LOW COST DIGITAL MICROSCOPE IN THE ELECTROCHEMISTRY DIDACTIC LABORATORY: TWO CLASSIC EXPERIMENTS UNDER A NEW (MICRO) LOOK. This research addresses the importance of introducing students to the scientist’s methods of thinking and acting in science teaching. We highlight two sets of science skills related to collecting and analyzing data, and communicating scientific ideas. The innovation is the use of a low cost digital microscope with a USB (universal serial bus) interface to monitor the experimental activities of steel corrosion and water electrolysis in the context of teaching electrochemistry in a physical chemistry graduation course. Thirty-three students from the chemical engineering course at a university in Northern Brazil participated in this research, who were studying the discipline, arranged in groups. The results show that the students performed well in the scientific skills assessed during the steel corrosion experiment due to the apparatus. However, in the water electrolysis experiment, there were more difficulties, especially in communicating scientific ideas. Participants reported that using the microscope helped them understand chemical phenomena and increased curiosity and learning. It highlights the importance of the pedagogical approach based on experimental activities, which are similar to the practices of science, allowing students to be active agents in the construction of knowledge and the use of the low cost digital microscope as an innovative tool in teaching electrochemistry.

Science Skill-Based Activities for Senior High School Students

Science enables students to seek knowledge and practice relevant scientific processes to provide meaningful solutions or information that can contribute to the development of society. This study aimed to create a science learning activity for senior high school students that integrates learning skills in science such as information retrieval, scientific reading, data representation, scientific writing, and knowledge presentation. The subjects of this study, which was employed through purposive sampling, were Grade 12 STEM students and Science teachers from Batangas’ 2nd Congressional District-Area II. Documentary analysis was used to analyze the least mastered competencies in earth science, general biology, general chemistry, and general physics. An interview was also used to reinforce the data collection and analysis. The content’s relevancy influences the students’ attitudes and interests, the teachers’ teaching tactics, and the opportunity to learn collaboratively. The student’s learning skills in science were honed by the learning activities provided by their teacher. However, the students’ data representation and knowledge presentation skills must be strengthened. Different pedagogical considerations may be emphasized in developing a learning activity to boost student engagement and achieve a better learning experience.

Effectiveness of the SAVI (Somatic, Auditory, Visualization, and Intellectual) Learning Model on Students' Science Literacy Ability in Elementary School

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the SAVI learning model on students' science literacy skill in science subject. The research approach used in this study is quantitative with a quasi-experimental design. The research sample will be purposively selected from two existing ones classes, with one class as the experimental group and one class as the control group. Class B, as the experimental group, will consist of 29 students, while Class C, as the control group, will consist of 27 students, making the total research sample 56 students. In this study, the instrument usedis a test. This test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions designed to measure students' scientific literacy skills after the implementation of the SAVI model. The post-test data will be analyzed using the paired sample t-test statistical method to determine significant differences in scientific literacy skills. The results of this study conclude that the Sig. (2-tailed) value is 0.000 < 0.05. This indicates the effectiveness of the SAVI learning model on the scientific literacyskills of fourth grade students at SDN Purwodadi Simpang. The results of this study are expected to provide practical results guidance for teachers in designing and implementing more effective learning strategies in the classroom. By understanding the impact of the SAVI model on scientific literacy, educators can adapt this method to meet diverselearning needs and improve students' academic outcomes.

Rasch Model Analysis to Develop Assessment Instruments for Student's Science Process Skills on Chemical Bonding Material

The assessment of student's science process skills (SPS) on chemical bonding material in schools does not yet meet the learning outcomes of the Merdeka curriculum, because the instruments used by teachers are more focused on knowledge aspects. The purpose of this research is to develop an assessment instrument for science process skills in the topic of chemical bonding. The type of this research is Research and Development (R&D) using the Rasch model modified by Liu. This research produced 18 questions tailored to the number of learning objectives in the chemical bonding material and the indicators of scientific process skills in the Merdeka curriculum, which consist of 1) observing, 2) questioning and predicting, 3) planning and conducting investigations. 4) processing, analyzing data and information, 5) evaluating and reflecting, and 6) communicating results. The logical validity test was conducted by 5 validators consisting of 3 chemistry lecturers from FMIPA UNP and 2 chemistry teachers from State Senior High School (SMAN) 1 Banuhampu. The raw validation data were analyzed using Minifaced software, which showed that the data were valid according to the model. The raw trial data on 60 students from SMAN 1 Banuhampu were analyzed using Ministep, showing that all questions met the criteria of being valid, reliable, and having good difficulty and discrimination indices according to Rasch. These results indicate that the developed instrument is effective in measuring students' SPS on chemical bonding material and can be used to support learning based on a scientific approach.