Science literacy on science technology engineering and math (STEM) learning in elementary schools

Abstract

Science in Engineering Technology and Mathematics (STEM) strongly supports the current era of educational development. The component that strongly supports the success of STEM mastery is student literacy towards science concepts. This study aims to reveal the profile of scientific literacy skills that support the achievement of STEM. The method used is qualitative participatory. The participants of this study were 26 grade 6 elementary school students in Bandung. The instrument used is a test of understanding of several technology products around the environment where students live. Triangulation through interviews was conducted to explore students' answers. The results showed that: (1) there were variations in students' scientific literacy skills on technology products, (2) the ability of science concepts related to STEM abilities, and (3) the still strong role of learning resources derived from books, the internet and other social media. This study concludes that science skills and STEM literacy of elementary school students in Bandung are still low. This research recommends the need for literacy programs that are united with an integrated teaching and learning process.