The effect of STEM applications prepared according to 5E and SOS learning models on 6th grade students' 21st century skills and STEM attitudes

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of STEM applications prepared according to 5E and SOS learning models on 6th grade students' 21st century skills and STEM attitudes. The study was conducted with 114 students studying in a middle school in Siirt province in the fall semester of the 2022-2023 academic year. In 3 classes, 5E and SOS learning models STEM applications and science curriculum lesson plans were applied according to the subject outcomes of Support and Motion System. The dependent variables of the study were students' 21st century skills, STEM attitudes and their views on STEM applications. In the quantitative dimension of the study, a quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest control group was used, and in the qualitative dimension, a phenomenological design was utilized. Quantitative data were obtained using the 21st century skills scale and STEM Education Attitude Scale. Qualitative data were obtained from the semi-structured interview form with the experimental group students. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the total scores obtained from the skill and attitude pre and post-tests of the groups according to the group averages, and TUKEY test was selected to determine which group caused the significant difference between the groups. Qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis and the results were interpreted. In line with the quantitative findings of the study, it was determined that STEM applications prepared according to SOS learning and 5E learning model had a positive effect on students' 21st century skills. In addition, it was found that the students to whom the SOS learning model was applied had higher STEM attitudes than the students to whom the science curriculum was applied. According to the results obtained from the content analysis, it was concluded that students developed positive views towards the 5E and SOS learning model STEM applications and increased their interest in the subjects they were active in. In connection with the results obtained, suggestions were made for new studies.