Abstract:
The study was conducted to measure the impact of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
Arts and Mathematics) based hands-on activities on 5th graders of a public school in Quetta. Two
vast topics (Area & Perimeter and Information Handling) from mathematics curriculum were
selected to carry out the intervention. Simple, cost effective and easy hands-on activities were
prepared for the participants. A total of 69 students out of 136 participated in a 4-day STEAM
activities session where they were allowed to learn through a different medium using art supplies
as a tool for learning. Quasi experimental design was selected and analysis of the data collected
through it showed that students not only enjoyed the session but their scores significantly improved
at the end. The Mann-Whitney test conducted for the analysis for data sets of both sessions
indicated that the p-value was greater than 0.05 in post-test as compared to pre-test hence allowing
us to reject the null hypotheses in both cases. Engagement level of the students was also improved
by the observation that they were helping each other with the tasks and showed keen interest in
the activities. Students Engagement in Mathematics Scale (SEMS) proved that the students were
more engaged in STEAM based session than their didactic lecture. Due to different staff members
for different sections the interest level in mathematics subject differed. Use of more technology
oriented supplies other than PowerPoint presentations would have allowed the students to discover
and use newer advanced technology. It may have also enhanced their level of participation. For
future research, more technology or gender focused hypotheses can be prepared.
