PROJECT BASED LEARNING METHODOLOGY THROUGH THE CREATION OF ORIGINAL MACARONS IN STEM CONTEXT

Enhancing student engagement and academic performance in STEM disciplines remains a priority in modern education. This study investigates the effectiveness of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) using culinary activities, specifically macaron creation, as an innovative instructional model in STEM education among middle school students. The goal was to determine whether incorporating hands-on, sensory-rich activities into the curriculum could improve STEM learning outcomes and stimulate sustained interest in scientific subjects. A quasi-experimental design was implemented with 60 students aged 12 to 14, randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received instruction through PjBL that integrated interdisciplinary STEM lessons with culinary practice, while the control group followed a conventional, textbook-based curriculum. Pre- and post-assessments were conducted to measure academic progress, and engagement was evaluated using structured observation and self-report questionnaires. The findings showed that students in the PjBL group achieved significantly higher post-test scores, suggesting improved knowledge retention and concept application. Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated increased motivation and participation, highlighting the motivational value of project-based methods. Qualitative observations further indicated that PjBL fosters the development of essential 21st-century skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. This study confirms the pedagogical value of PjBL as an inclusive and student-centered strategy that can enhance both cognitive and affective learning domains. As a result, educational leaders and policymakers are encouraged to support the integration of PjBL into STEM curricula by investing in teacher training, developing relevant instructional resources, and ensuring implementation across diverse learning environments for maximum impact.