Abstract:

The aim of this study is to reveal the effect of STEM activities developed using the Engineering Design Process (EDP) within the scope of the "Simple Machines" unit on eighth grade students' understanding and scientific process skills. The research was carried out using a mixed method. The study group consists of 11 students (N boys = 6, N girls = 5) studying in the eighth grade of a village school in Giresun province in the 2018-2019 academic year. In the study, STEM activities developed using the EDP within the scope of the "Simple Machines" unit were applied to the experimental group. In the research, as data collection tools, "Two-Stage Simple Machine Test (TSSMT)" consisting of 16 questions and two stages, Science Process Skill Test (SPST) and semi-structured interview about subject concepts and teaching practices were used. The data obtained from the TSSMT and the SPST applied as pre and post tests to the students were analyzed and compared with the SPSS program. After the application, the data obtained from the semi-structured interviews with the students about the concepts of "Simple Machines" and teaching practices were subjected to content analysis. In this study, it was concluded that EDP-focused STEM activities provide a significant increase in students' understanding of the concepts related to "Simple machines". However, although EDP-focused STEM activities provide a slight increase in developing students' scientific process skills, it was determined that this increase was not statistically significant. In addition, although the students stated that they had difficulties in the process, when the whole process was considered, it can be said that they had the opportunity to develop many aspects such as harmonious working, effective communication, social skills, developing new ideas, responsibility, problem solving, decision making and overcoming difficulties.

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