Abstract:

In this study, it was aimed to determine the students' opinions about STEM approach and the effects of mathematics-oriented STEM activities on the STEM awareness and achievement of students in the “Triangles” unit of 9th ​​grade high school mathematics course. Research was made in the second term of the 2018-2019 academic year and  conducted with 33 9th grade students in two different classes in a high school, located in a province in northeastern Turkey, attached to the Ministry of Education. Mixed method was preferred in the study. The qualitative process of the study was carried out with quasi-experimental method with pre-test and post-test control group and the qualitative process was conducted with case study. In the research,  While the experimental group students continued their education with STEM activities, the courses were conducted according to the teaching methods and techniques appropriate to the gains envisaged in the mathematics curriculum in the control group. Triangular Achievement Test (TAT), STEM Awareness Scale (SAS) and semi-structured interview form were used as data collection tools. Paired Samples T-test and Independent Samples T-test were used to analyze the quantitative data of the study. In addition, qualitative data collected through semi-structured interview form were analyzed using content analysis. As a result of the research, it was seen that STEM activities increased students' academic achievement and provided a permanence of the achievement. The content analysis of the interviews with the students was conducted and it was concluded that STEM activities had a positive effect on the students' academic achievement and the permanence of the achievement. 

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