Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Public Service Announcement (PSA) Development Activity

Abstract

This paper aimed to present a STEM PSA actvivity implemented with 6th graders who participated to a STEM training project in the Faculty of Education at Middle East Technical University in Turkey. The training Project was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. The STEM PSA activity was implemented at a computer laboratory with internet connection and lasted 160 minutes. Following the engineering design cycle, students were asked to design a STEM PSA that would be shown in TV channels. In the design process, students were asked to reflect on the activities used in the STEM training they attended throughout the project. Working in pairs, students first completed the storyboards and planned their PSAs with their narratives, pictures, and audio materials. Then, they developed the videos using the PowToon program with the help of guides and teachers. The analysis of the students’ responses on the activitiy evaluation forms revealed that the activity helped develop students’ computer and technology skills and knowledge.