Abstract: Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
education is an emerging initiative in Australia, particularly in primary
schools. This qualitative research aimed to understand Year 4 students’
involvement in an integrated STEM education unit that focused on science
concepts (e.g., states of matter, testing properties of materials) and
mathematics concepts (e.g., 3D shapes and metric measurements) for
designing, making and testing a strong and safe medical kit to insulate
medicines (ice cubes) at desirable temperatures. Data collection tools
included student work samples, photographs, written responses from students
and the teacher, and researcher notes. In a post-hoc analysis, a pedagogical
knowledge practice framework (i.e., planning, timetabling, preparation,
teaching strategies, content knowledge, problem solving, classroom
management, questioning, implementation, assessment, and viewpoints) was
used to explain links to student outcomes in STEM education. The study
showed how pedagogical knowledge practices may be linked to student
outcomes (knowledge, understanding, skill development, and values and
attitudes) for a STEM education activity.