New Perspectives in Science Education

The modern world is rich with examples of complex machines whose workings have yet to be understood. In everyday life, students hardly ever see levers, inclined planes, wedges, and pulleys as examples of "simple machines." Few students are aware of how simple machines like levers and pulleys should be used or how their design may offer an advantage, despite the fact that most have daily familiarity with them (Horvath et al., 2016). If there is no strategic teaching strategy used in the execution, the increasing integration of STEM topics might not be more effective. When teaching science subjects involving simple machines, the design thinking method is the best STEM teaching strategy. Students are required to apply mental processes essential to intellectual building and development in the majority of science classes in schools. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate how the design thinking teaching strategy affects the science accomplishment of Year 9 secondary school students in the area of simple machines. A total of 61 Year 9 students made up the sample for this quasi-experimental investigation. The sample was split into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group's pupils received instruction utilizing the design thinking methodology. Students in the control group, on the other hand, received instruction utilizing the traditional method. The science topic of basic machines was the focus of a six-week investigation. Before and after the treatment, the pupils' progress in simple machines was measured using the Simple Machine Test (SMT). The main conclusions of this study showed that students' progress in science subjects and basic machines is positively impacted by the design thinking teaching approach. Students can better understand the material through holistic learning, which involves reflecting on 3D printer projects and drawing from personal experiences. Design thinking education indirectly creates a powerful and organized learning culture.

Keywords: Design thinking; Simple machine; STEM; 3D Printer

Reference :

Horvath, J., Cameron, R., Horvath, J., & Cameron, R. (2016). Simple Machines. 3D Printed Science Projects: Ideas for Your Classroom, Science Fair, or Home, 77-106.