AUTHOR=Alim Jesi Alexander , Hermita Neni , Putra Zetra Hainul , Oktaviani Cici 

TITLE=Development of a STEM-based e-module using the MIKiR model on energy sources material to enhance students’ critical thinking skills

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Education

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1635133

DOI=10.3389/feduc.2025.1635133

ISSN=2504-284X

ABSTRACT=IntroductionElementary students’ critical thinking skills remain below average, partly due to the lack of interactive teaching materials. This research aims to develop STEM-integrated MIKiR-based e-modules on the topic of energy sources for fourth-grade students that are valid, practical, and effective.MethodsThe study uses the Plomp development model consisting of Preliminary Research, Prototyping, and Assessment phases. Participants included 2 expert lecturers, 2 teachers, and 69 fourth-grade students. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and tests, and analyzed using descriptive quantitative methods.ResultsMedia expert validation scored 97.03%, and language experts 90%, indicating high validity. The practicality score was 96.33%. A t-test result of 0.001 < 0.005 shows a significant effect after implementation.DiscussionThe STEM-based MIKiR e-modules effectively improve students’ critical thinking skills and can be used as innovative and interactive teaching materials.