What Can Elementary Students Learn From Self-watering System Project? Evaluating Students’ Achievement in Engineering Design Behaviour

Developing problem-solving and design skills in elementary school students is critical in fostering innovation and scientific literacy. This study employed a pre-experimental method to assess 57 elementary students in Cimahi, Indonesia, as they engaged in the engineering design process by creating an automatic watering system. The research analyzed key stages, including understanding challenges, generating ideas, experimenting, and troubleshooting. The results showed students as “developing designers,” excelling in hands-on experimentation but struggling with creative problem-solving.This highlights their proficiency in hands-on experimentation and the need for enhanced support in creative problem-solving. The findings demonstrate the potential of integrating engineering design into elementary education to improve cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills. Through project-based learning, students gained a deeper understanding of scientific concepts such as fluid mechanics and plant biology while developing critical thinking and innovation skills. This study emphasizes engineering design as an effective approach to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, preparing young learners for future challenges.