STEM-Integrated Problem-Based Learning and Students’ Critical Thinking Skills in Junior High School Science Learning

GUSNITA WANDARI, Febri Yanto, Fatma Wati, Intan Lestari Mulyaning Tyas — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Science learning at the junior high school level faces challenges in fostering students’ critical thinking skills, particularly on temperature, heat, and thermal expansion topics. This study aimed to examine the effect of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model with a STEM approach on students’ critical thinking skills. A quantitative quasi-experimental method with a nonequivalent control group design was employed. The participants were seventh-grade students of SMP Negeri 40 Padang selected through purposive sampling, consisting of an experimental class implementing PBL with a STEM approach and a control class implementing PBL. Research instruments included an essay-based critical thinking test, an observation sheet on learning implementation, and a student responses questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. The results showed that the implementation of PBL with a STEM approach was categorized as very good (96.67%), and student responses were also very good (89.60%). Hypothesis testing revealed a significant difference between the experimental and control classes (t = 13.35 > 2.00). Therefore, it can be concluded that the PBL model with a STEM approach significantly improves the critical thinking skills of seventh-grade students at SMP Negeri 40 Padang.

Improving Creative Thinking Skills through STEAM-Based Project Learning for Junior High School Students

Suci Indah Sari, Rani Oktavia, Febri Yanto — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This research is motivated by the importance of creative thinking skills in today's learning environment. This can be enhanced through the application of innovative learning models. One such approach is the Project-Based Learning model with a STEAM approach. This study aims to determine the effect of the Project-Based Learning model with a STEAM approach on the creative thinking skills of eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 27 Padang. This study employed a quantitative method using a Quasi-Experimental method with a Non-Equivalent Control Group Design. The Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model with a STEAM approach was applied to the experimental class, while the conventional learning model was applied to the control class. Two classes served as sample groups, selected by purposive sampling. The research instruments used were observation sheets on the implementation of the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model with a STEAM approach, descriptive test questions, and a questionnaire assessing student responses to the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model with a STEAM approach. Data analysis was performed using normality tests, homogeneity tests, and two-mean difference tests. Statistical analysis in this study was performed using Microsoft Excel. The results of the study were obtained, based on the hypothesis test, the t-value was 5.70 ≥ t-table of 2.00. This indicates that there is a significant average difference, so that the Project Based Learning learning model with the STEAM approach has a significant effect on the creative thinking skills of class VIII students at SMP Negeri 27 Padang.

SEMESTA: Journal of Science Education and Teaching

STEM-Integrated Problem-Based Learning and Students’ Critical Thinking Skills in Junior High School Science Learning

Improving Creative Thinking Skills through STEAM-Based Project Learning for Junior High School Students