Teachers’ assisting in designing innovative learning based on local advantages through STEM hands-on activities

Background: Active involvement in learning includes the exploration of concepts, ensuring contextualization through local issues and advantages. However, local issues are currently often only used as an aperception at the beginning of lessons, and teachers face challenges in their implementation. Therefore, STEM learning innovation mentoring was conducted for teachers at SMA Muhammadiyah 3 Batu. Method: The partner in this activity is SMA Muhammadiyah 3 Batu, with 20 participants. The methods used include Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and workshops, and data collection was done through surveys. Results: This community service activity resulted in four vertical garden models that met three criteria: design appeal and functionality, ease of maintenance, and plant composition aesthetics. Conclusion: This mentoring activity provided teachers with a real experience in innovating lesson designs based on contextual issues around students.