A STEAM-based Educational Package based on Design Thinking Model and the Effectiveness on 6th Grade Elementary Students

The purpose of this study was to develop a STEAM-based educational package and investigate its effects on attitude, problem solving ability and creativity of 6th grade elementary school students in Bushehr, Iran. The design thinking model was used to design the training package. The research design was quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test with experimental group and control group. The study sample consisted of 44 individuals who were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups by available sampling method. The data were collected based on three questionnaires: Hepner and Kruskov's problem-solving skills, Ellie and Schaefer's creativity, and Aiken science attitude tester. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients was 0.90, 0.948 and 0.97 respectively. The training package was designed based on the background check and the formation of a focus group. The face validity of the training package was confirmed using the opinion of experts. The statistical population of this study was 6th grade male students in the academic year 2021-2022. Based on the findings, it could be concluded that the STEAM-based educational package increased problem-solving ability, creativity and a positive attitude towards the experimental sciences course.