Integrating STEM Approaches in Elementary Science Education Toward Meaningful Learning
Keywords:
STEM education, Elementary science, Meaningful learning, Problem-solving, Inquiry-based learningAbstract
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has become a priority in preparing students with the skills needed for the 21st century. At the elementary level, where foundational scientific understanding is built, the challenge lies in ensuring that learning is not limited to factual recall but promotes meaningful engagement. Meaningful learning occurs when students connect new knowledge to prior understanding and real-life experiences, enabling them to think critically, solve problems, and retain concepts more effectively. This paper aims to explore how STEM approaches can be integrated into elementary science education to promote meaningful learning. An integrative literature review was conducted, analyzing 18 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2024. Data were gathered from Scopus, Google Scholar, and open-access journals using keywords such as “STEM in elementary education,” “meaningful learning,” and “inquiry-based STEM.” Articles were thematically analyzed across four dimensions: problem-solving and critical thinking, teacher readiness and professional development, cultural and contextual relevance, and the role of technology. The findings indicate that STEM projects framed around real-world issues enhance students’ problem-solving abilities, scientific literacy, and curiosity. Teachers’ preparedness strongly influences whether STEM activities result in surface-level engagement or deeper understanding, highlighting the need for professional development. Integrating cultural practices and everyday contexts was found to strengthen relevance, while technology enriched learning when applied as a tool for inquiry rather than as an end in itself. In conclusion, integrating STEM in elementary science fosters meaningful learning by connecting inquiry, culture, teacher capacity, and technology. This approach equips young learners with not only scientific knowledge but also the skills and dispositions essential for lifelong learning.References
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