Research Article

The Impact of Visual and Physical Programming-Based Science Activities on Middle School Students’ 21st Century and Computational Thinking Skills

Volume: 14 Number: 3 July 31, 2025
TR EN

The Impact of Visual and Physical Programming-Based Science Activities on Middle School Students’ 21st Century and Computational Thinking Skills

Abstract

In the age of artificial intelligence, one of the main goals of education today is to produce innovative and productive individuals with 21st century skills, who can think creatively, solve problems, think critically, and have strong collaboration and communication skills. This study examines the impact of STEM-based lesson plans that incorporate knowledge-based life problems (APoKS) and visual-physical programming activities on middle school students' 21st century and computational thinking (CT) skills. The study involved 15 middle school students enrolled in a summer course and three science teachers. A 30-hour intervention was delivered over two weeks, covering topics such as the solar system, force and motion, renewable energy, electrical circuits and sound. Data were collected using the Computational Thinking Skills Self-Efficacy Perception Scale and the 21st Century Skills Scale. After implementation, educators provided insight through semi-structured interviews and reflective diaries. Quantitative data were analysed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, while qualitative data were examined using content analysis. Results indicate that the activities significantly improved students' 21st century thinking and CT self-efficacy. High impact improvements were observed in algorithm design, problem solving, data processing, programming and confidence. Educators confirmed these findings, noting the development of students' 21st-century and CT skills. Recommendations for future implementation and research are provided based on the findings.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

“In this study, the principles of publication ethics have been adhered to, and the ethical permission for the research has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Ataturk University Institute of Educational Sciences with the document number E-56785782-050.02.04-2200101348 on March 31, 2022.”

Thanks

"We sincerely thank our young students and dedicated educators, whose eyes shine with inspiration, for their valuable contributions to our work."

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Instructional Design, STEM Education, Development of Science, Technology and Engineering Education and Programs

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

July 31, 2025

Publication Date

July 31, 2025

Submission Date

April 6, 2025

Acceptance Date

June 20, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 14 Number: 3

APA
Güneş, H., & Küçük, S. (2025). The Impact of Visual and Physical Programming-Based Science Activities on Middle School Students’ 21st Century and Computational Thinking Skills. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, 14(3), 858-882. https://izlik.org/JA22NA24YL
AMA
1.Güneş H, Küçük S. The Impact of Visual and Physical Programming-Based Science Activities on Middle School Students’ 21st Century and Computational Thinking Skills. BUEFAD. 2025;14(3):858-882. https://izlik.org/JA22NA24YL
Chicago
Güneş, Habibe, and Sevda Küçük. 2025. “The Impact of Visual and Physical Programming-Based Science Activities on Middle School Students’ 21st Century and Computational Thinking Skills”. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education 14 (3): 858-82. https://izlik.org/JA22NA24YL.
EndNote
Güneş H, Küçük S (July 1, 2025) The Impact of Visual and Physical Programming-Based Science Activities on Middle School Students’ 21st Century and Computational Thinking Skills. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education 14 3 858–882.
IEEE
[1]H. Güneş and S. Küçük, “The Impact of Visual and Physical Programming-Based Science Activities on Middle School Students’ 21st Century and Computational Thinking Skills”, BUEFAD, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 858–882, July 2025, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA22NA24YL
ISNAD
Güneş, Habibe - Küçük, Sevda. “The Impact of Visual and Physical Programming-Based Science Activities on Middle School Students’ 21st Century and Computational Thinking Skills”. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education 14/3 (July 1, 2025): 858-882. https://izlik.org/JA22NA24YL.
JAMA
1.Güneş H, Küçük S. The Impact of Visual and Physical Programming-Based Science Activities on Middle School Students’ 21st Century and Computational Thinking Skills. BUEFAD. 2025;14:858–882.
MLA
Güneş, Habibe, and Sevda Küçük. “The Impact of Visual and Physical Programming-Based Science Activities on Middle School Students’ 21st Century and Computational Thinking Skills”. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, vol. 14, no. 3, July 2025, pp. 858-82, https://izlik.org/JA22NA24YL.
Vancouver
1.Habibe Güneş, Sevda Küçük. The Impact of Visual and Physical Programming-Based Science Activities on Middle School Students’ 21st Century and Computational Thinking Skills. BUEFAD [Internet]. 2025 Jul. 1;14(3):858-82. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA22NA24YL

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Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education