Wind Car Project to Integrate STEAM into the Elementary Education Curriculum

Objective: This study aims to describe the implementation of the Wind Car Project as a simple, contextual, and low-cost strategy for integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) into the Grade 4 elementary school curriculum. Method: The research employed a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design conducted in one fourth-grade class. Data were collected through classroom observations, analysis of curriculum documents and STEAM learning modules, and teacher reflective notes. Results: The findings indicate that the Wind Car Project successfully integrates all STEAM components holistically through the Engineering Design Process (EDP). The project enhanced students’ conceptual understanding of wind energy, promoted active and collaborative learning, and supported the implementation of project-based learning aligned with the Merdeka Curriculum. Teachers also perceived the project as feasible and adaptable within existing instructional constraints. Novelty: This study highlights the novelty of utilizing a simple, low-resource engineering project to operationalize STEAM integration at the elementary level, demonstrating that effective STEAM-based curriculum development does not necessarily require complex infrastructure or high financial investment, but can be achieved through well-designed, contextually relevant projects.