EKSPLORASI KONSEP IPA DALAM RISET SISWA KELAS 4 DI SANGGAR ANAK ALAM (SALAM) YOGYAKARTA

Abstract

This study aims to explore the science concepts contained in the research conducted by fourth-grade students at Sanggar Anak Alam (SALAM) in Yogyakarta, an alternative educational institution that employs research-based learning as its primary approach. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through observations during the “Knowledge Harvest” activities and documentation in the form of posters and photographs of the students’ research findings. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis, involving the following stages: inventory of research topics, identification of science concepts, and classification into thematic categories. The results of the study indicate that the thirteen research topics of the fourth-grade students included the care of laying hens, durian propagation, turtle care, making beras kencur herbal medicine, making cassava tape, various food processing methods, and playing the gamelan, all of which contain science concepts that can be grouped into four main categories: living things, the use of plants and health, changes in matter, and sound energy. The most dominant concepts relate to biology and the utilization of natural resources, reflecting students’ tendency to investigate objects and phenomena closely related to their daily lives. These findings indicate that research-based learning at SALAM enables students to build an understanding of science concepts through direct experience and contextual exploration, without treating science as a standalone subject.