PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS SISWA KELAS IV MELALUI INOVASI PEMBELAJARAN STEM BERBASIS PROYEK ROKET AIR PADA MATERI GAYA DAN GERAK

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the implementation of STEM learning through a water rocket project and analyze its impact on improving critical thinking skills and learning outcomes of fourth-grade students at SDN Mangunjiwan 1 Demak on the topic of force and motion. The study was designed as a best practice report based on Classroom Action Research (CAR) using a descriptive-analytical approach. The research subjects consisted of 15 fourth-grade students, including 9 boys and 6 girls. The learning process was carried out through six stages of Project Based Learning (PjBL)-STEM, namely essential questions, project planning, scheduling, project monitoring, outcome assessment, and experience evaluation. Data were collected through observation, HOTS-based formative tests, and documentation. The results showed that the implementation of the water rocket project improved students’ critical thinking skills from an average of 48.33% in cycle I to 80.67% in cycle II. In addition, students’ learning outcomes increased, with the class average score rising from 64.44 to 80.89 and classical mastery improving from 40% to 73.33%. STEM learning through the water rocket project proved effective in creating active, contextual, and meaningful learning experiences, thereby enhancing students’ critical thinking skills and learning outcomes in force and motion material.