PjBL-STEM for Environmental Citizenship: The Design of an Alternative Energy Module in Elementary School

Abstract

This research aims to develop and test the feasibility of a Project-Based Learning STEM (PjBL-STEM) Teaching Module integrated with citizenship skills for fifth-grade elementary students on the topic of Alternative Energy. The study addresses the need for learning environments that develop 21st-century skills, in line with Indonesia's Merdeka Curriculum. The research method employed is Educational Design Research (EDR), consisting of three stages: Analysis and Exploration, Design and Construction, and Evaluation and Reflection. The analysis revealed a need among teachers for a systematic guide to implementing PjBL-STEM integrated with character strengthening. Based on this, a prototype module was designed and validated by experts with a "Very Suitable" rating. The evaluation was conducted through two trial cycles. The first cycle identified challenges with compressed lesson time and the assessment of citizenship skills. After revisions—dividing the lesson into two days and adding performance assessment notes—the second cycle showed significant improvement. Teacher response scores increased from 77.08% ("Suitable") to 95.8% ("Very Suitable"), particularly in practicality and character-building effectiveness. These findings confirm that the developed PjBL-STEM module is feasible and effective for fostering meaningful, contextual learning that enhances students' citizenship skills.