Investigation of science teachers' opinions on STEM application

Today's developments in information technology have affected all sectors, as well as the education sector, which plays a crucial role in raising future generations. Education authorities, who apply new revisions to raise individuals with 21st-century skills, are working to integrate a learning model in which science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are integrated into the education system. At this point, it is seen that science teachers are given significant roles and responsibilities in schools in order to ensure that students achieve success in STEM-based activities. This study aimed to examine science teachers' views on STEM applications. This research, which adopted basic qualitative research, was designed with a case study. Volunteer participants are sixteen science teachers working in Ordu province who have previously implemented STEM in their classes. In the research, data were collected by interview technique. The "Structured Interview Form About STEM Applications" developed by the researcher was directed to the participants. This form, consisting of twelve questions, consists of two parts. In the first part of the form, there are four questions about teachers' socio-demographic characteristics and the education they received regarding STEM. The second part includes questions about the purpose of STEM applications, their features, advantages, and disadvantages, contributions to teachers, parent feedback, and critical points to be considered. The participants' answers to the questions in the interview form were analyzed with the MAXQDA Qualitative Data Analysis Program using the descriptive content analysis technique. Themes, categories, and codes regarding STEM applications have been reached. In the study, in which nine basic themes and sixteen categories were determined, it was determined that science teachers had positive thoughts about the effectiveness of STEM applications, the contribution they provided to teachers and students, and that they wanted to use them in their lessons despite some disadvantages (lack of equipment, time, and information). The study also concluded that teachers think that STEM applications provide cognitive, social/affective advantages to students and contribute to teachers professionally and pedagogically. This study, in which essential findings on STEM applications were obtained, will guide the studies and steps to be taken regarding STEM integration in science courses. Key Words: Science teaching, Science teachers, STEM application