The effect of STEM education roles on the solution of daily life problems

Abstract

The main purpose of this research is to determine the effect of STEM roles on the solutions to daily life problems and academic achievement. Mixed method was used in the study. An experimental study was conducted in the quantitative dimension of the research, while a fully structured STEM activity form was used in the qualitative dimension. 38 students participated in the study by analogue sampling method. STEM roles brochure, STEM roles activity form and academic achievement test were used in the research. The data of the measurement tools used in the study were analyzed with the help of Microsoft Excel program and SPSS. Descriptive and content analyses and techniques such as Mann-Whitney U Test and percentage values were used. It was determined that STEM disciplines and STEM roles had a significant effect on the solutions to daily life problems. For instance, it was found that participants lifted the stone in the middle of the field with a lever which was section (meters) and removed the elephant using pulley, depending on the number of ropes. It was determined that the participants lifted a lot of load by applying less force. Yet, it was determined that STEM roles did not have any effect on increasing academic achievement according to the current curriculum. In line with these results, suggestions were presented. © 2019, Ozgen Korkmaz. All rights reserved.