Developing 22nd century skills through the integration of STEAM into smoke absorber project

Abstract

This study aimed to develop 22nd century skills through the integration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) project in chemistry learning. The study involved the thirty-three students of 11 year. The STEAM integration was implemented in the teaching of colloidal system through a project-based learning. The study employed qualitative approach to explore the integration of STEAM in chemistry and students' 22nd century skills development. Data were collected through classroom observations, interviews, reflective journals, and chemistry concept test. Students designed an innovation project with the integration of STEAM in developing smoke absorber as the solution of the smoke pollution. The data were then analysed based on the themes pattern found in multiple data sources. It shows that STEAM improved students' critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication skills, and caring of environmental problems (5C), in addition to information, media, and technology skills. However, this study remains challenging since STEAM integrated chemistry learning requires more empowering student, time resources, and learning contexts in order to explore and to raise the students' environmental awareness.