Making Natural Acid-Base Indicators with a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Approach to Chemistry Subjects During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study focuses on the implementation of the STEM approach in chemistry subjects to develop natural
acid-base indicators through contextual learning materials. The learning was conducted remotely using various
digital services. To accomplish this, the experiment used the STEM approach with a Project-Based Learning
model (STEM-PjBL), which was developed by Laboy-Rush and promoted by West Java Province Education
Office in collaboration with SEAMEO QITEP in Science to develop natural acid-base indicators. The research
findings were evaluated using qualitative descriptive methods to address the concerns that arose during the
study. Data were collected through observations and student questionnaires regarding the implementation of
the STEM approach in the acid-base indicator material. It was discovered that the STEM approach can be
effectively employed in online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study utilised plant parts obtained
from the students’ surrounding environment. However, before this experiment, students’ knowledge about the
nature of acid-base reactions in school snacks remain unknown.