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Developing students’ creative problem solving skills with inquiry-based STEM activity in an out-of-school learning environment

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Abstract

There is a great need for applied studies at the K-12 level on how creative problem solving skills can be developed in out-of-school environments and what kind of learning activities can be used. Therefore, in this study, the effects of inquiry-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities on students' STEM awareness and creative thinking skills in an out-of-school learning environment were investigated and the advantages and disadvantages of inquiry-based STEM activities were tried to be determined with student opinions. The study group of this mixed-method study consisted of 32 11th grade students selected voluntarily. Creative Problem Solving and STEM Awareness scales and a semi-structured interview form were used in the study. The findings of the study showed that inquiry-based STEM activities planned in an out-of-school learning environment improved students' creative problem solving skills and STEM awareness. Both qualitative and quantitative findings support that the activities improved students' problem solving skills and productivity and encouraged them to work collaboratively.

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  1. Mathematics and Science Education, Faculty of Education, Amasya University, Amasya, Turkey

    Orhan Karamustafaoğlu

  2. Mathematics and Science Education, Faculty of Education, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Turkey

    Hüseyin Miraç Pektaş

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Appendix 1

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Appendix 2

TEKNOFEST IS LOOKING FOR A ROCKET DESIGNER

Rockets are cylindrical objects that can reach very high speeds and also reach very high altitudes. Extremely flammable chemicals are used in systems that will activate rockets with such a strong structure. So, rocketry has become an extremely dangerous, costly and complex science. However, around 1950, an amateur rocket science was developed, which is not dangerous, has a low cost, has a simple structure, has a low altitude, and is called model rocketry. Model rockets are made from paper, wood, plastic and other lightweight materials. These model rockets are designed with the nose, fixed fins and fuselage parts. The most important of these parts are the nose and fixed fins. Because the design of the body is cylindrical, the nose section can change the air resistance acting on the rocket. The nose parts of model rockets are made of materials such as plastic, wood and styrofoam. Another important part, the fixed fins, allows the rocket to go without changing direction. One of the different types of competitions organized in our country is the model rocket competition. To give an example of this competition, rocket competitions organized within the scope of TEKNOFEST (Technology Festival) take place every year in our country. This year, the rocket competition that reaches the highest altitude will be held in the TEKNOFEST Turkey championship. Therefore, TEKNOFEST is looking for a rocket designer. There is a requirement to participate in this competition as a group, not individually.

If you were to represent a group participating in this competition:

  • How do you design a rocket? (How would you design the nose and fixed fins?) Why?

  • How do you decide where the rocket's center of gravity should be?

  • How do you calculate the altitude of your rocket?

  • What kind of a rescue method would you develop to prevent your rocket from falling to the ground and getting damaged?

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Karamustafaoğlu, O., Pektaş, H.M. Developing students’ creative problem solving skills with inquiry-based STEM activity in an out-of-school learning environment. Educ Inf Technol 28, 7651–7669 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11496-5

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