Title: Integration of STEM in Early Childhood Play Activities: A Case Study at TK Bintang Bangsa
Authors: Salma Bethari Andjani Sumarto, Elly Pusporani
Volume: 9
Issue: 1
Pages: 63-68
Publication Date: 2025/01/28
Abstract:
: The purpose of this study was to explore the integration of STEM concepts into early childhood education through structured play activities at TK Bintang Bangsa. Focused activities included counting watermelon seeds to match numbers 1-20, learning colors in Indonesian and English by cutting and pasting, counting objects in pictures and circling the corresponding number, drawing the transformations of butterflies, bees, and flies, and identifying vehicle names when connecting pictures with lines. These activities were designed to teach basic STEM concepts such as number recognition, basic mathematical operations, color recognition, biological cycles, and spatial relationships. The study used a qualitative descriptive approach, including classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with teachers, and visual records. Results showed that the activities successfully improved children's cognitive, language, and motor skills. Children showed active participation, improved their ability to connect numbers and quantities, and developed observation and problem-solving skills through creative and exploratory tasks. Teachers saw significant improvements in students' ability to connect abstract concepts with concrete experiences, which stimulated their curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM learning. This approach shows that incorporating STEM-oriented play activities can provide young children with meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences and effectively support their early cognitive development.