Development of arduino-integrated stem worksheets to enhance biology students’ creative thinking

Abstract

Creative thinking is a crucial competency in biology education; however, its development is often limited by context-restricted teaching materials, minimal technology integration, and insufficient use of real environmental data. This study aimed to develop a STEM-based student worksheet on environmental change that is valid, practical, and effective in improving students’ creative thinking skills. This study used the 4D development model involving 34 students from Biology Education C 2025, Surabaya State University. Validity was determined through expert validation, while practicality was evaluated based on readability, student responses, and implementation feasibility. Effectiveness was measured using creative thinking skills tests. The information was gathered through validation forms, readability checks, observations, questionnaires, and tests, and it was studied using both descriptive and numerical methods. The results showed that the student worksheets achieved an average validity score of 91.56%, indicating high validity. Practicality results showed student responses of 96.21% and implementation feasibility of 100%, with a readability level of 13. The effectiveness analysis revealed an average creative thinking score 0.86, categorized as outstanding, with significant improvement. The worksheets were created to combine science, technology, engineering, and math by using real environmental issues. This helps students look into real problems, study environmental data, come up with good solutions, and share their ideas in a creative way. These learning experiences encouraged students to take part actively and helped improve their creative thinking by making the learning process meaningful. The study shows that connecting STEM topics with actual environmental problems helps students develop their ability to think creatively.