DIORAMA: AS A LEARNING MEDIA FOR SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES (IPAS) ON ECOSYSTEM MATERIAL IN GRADE IV OF SDI CENDEKIA ASSALAM BANGILAN

Abstract

Teaching Science and Social Studies (IPAS) in elementary schools often faces challenges in delivering abstract concepts such as ecosystems. Conventional teaching methods, which are less interactive, make it difficult for students to understand the relationships between ecosystem components. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of diorama media in improving students' understanding of ecosystem material in Grade IV of SDI Cendekia Assalam Bangilan. The research used a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design, involving 27 students in the experimental group using diorama media and 25 students in the control group using conventional teaching methods. Data were collected through pre-tests and post-tests and analyzed using the t-test. The results showed that the average post-test score of the experimental group was higher (85.4) compared to the control group (73.8). Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.05), demonstrating that diorama media is effective in enhancing students' understanding of ecosystem concepts. These findings support constructivist learning theory, which emphasizes the importance of visual experiences and interaction in learning. This study suggests that diorama media should be widely applied to other materials requiring concrete visualization. Additionally, further research can explore the impact of diorama media on other skills such as critical thinking or student collaboration.