An application of the STEM supported common knowledge construction model: The unit of electricity

In science education, learning approaches that encourage the active participation of individuals and are linked to daily life problems come to the fore. In recent years, the integration of Common Knowledge Construction Model (CKCM) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) focused educational practices in science education has been applied with increasing interest. Examining the effects of the STEM-supported CKCM approach on middle school students has gained importance in order to fill the knowledge gap in this area. In this context, the effects of STEM-supported CKCM-based science education on the interest of sixth-grade middle school students in STEM disciplines and their 21st century skills and entrepreneurship competencies are investigated. The research was carried out with a quasi-experimental design. The sample of the study consists of sixth-grade students in a public school located in the İpekyolu district of Van province, in the 2022-2023 academic year. The research was conducted with a total of 60 students, 30 sixth grade students in the experimental and control groups. In the research, random sampling method was preferred in sample selection. As data collection tools, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Interest Scale, Science-Based Entrepreneurship Scale, 21st Century Scale and Semi-Structured Interview were used. The quantitative data of the study were subjected to dependent groups t test, independent groups t-test and (Cohen's d) Anova Eta test for the effect level of the results with significant effects. Qualitative data were analyzed using the content analysis method. As a result of the study, it was determined that STEM-supported CKCM had a positive effect on students' interest in STEM fields, and 21st century skills. In addition, students stated that they felt more creative and happy at the end of the teaching process and that there were positive changes in their perception of engineering, and that it had a positive effect on the course. It is recommended that STEM-supported CKCM be included in the organization and processing of lesson plans and curriculum in the future. Keywords: science education, CKCM, STEM, 21st century, 21st century skill, entrepreneurial skill