Examining the effect of stem activities on the learning skills of gifted students

This study is aimed at examination of STEM activities' effect on gifted students' learning abilities such as problem solving, communication or cooperative learning. This study which was prepared according to qualitative research technique was in case study format. Participants were chosen based on convenience sampling method which is one of the purposive sampling methods. The sample of this study were determined as nine gifted seventh grade students' which study in Science and Art Instution (in Turkish, BİLSEM). STEM activities were carried out by gifted students for 12 weeks during this study. Personal interviews with gifted students were done before and after STEM activities for determination of students' level of learning abilities. STEM activities, and interviews were voice recorded, and photos were taken during the study. Semi-constructive interview forms, observation forms, self-evaluation forms, voice records, photos and STEM worksheets were used as data collection tools. In conclusion, STEM activities had positive effects on gifted students' problem solving, communication and cooperative learning skills was observed in this study. Data that have gained by personal interviews with gifted students show that gifted students who participated in STEM activities gained new experiences such as planned working, and taking responsibility in group activities, improved communication skills positively such as active listening and open to opposite ideas.