Application of Natural Science in Everyday Life: From Theory to Positive Impacts on Quality of Life

Science education plays a crucial role in equipping learners with the skills needed to navigate 21st-century challenges. However, in Indonesia, science learning often remains limited to theoretical knowledge, with insufficient emphasis on process skills, higher-order thinking, and real-life applications. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated instructional model combining Differentiated Challenge-Based Learning (DCBLM) and Problem-Based Creative Learning (PBCL) in improving students’ scientific competencies and perceptions of quality of life. Employing a mixed-methods design, 120 participants including secondary and university students engaged in science activities for twelve weeks. Quantitative data were collected through validated Science Process Skills (SPS) and Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) tests, along with a Quality of Life (QoL) perception survey, while qualitative insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews. Results from paired-sample t-tests showed significant improvements in SPS (M = 62.4 to 78.9), HOTS (M = 58.7 to 74.3), and QoL perceptions (M = 3.21 to 3.78), all with large effect sizes. Thematic analysis revealed learners’ ability to apply science in daily life, increased environmental awareness, and enhanced confidence in problem-solving. These findings confirm that the hybrid model not only strengthens scientific knowledge and thinking skills but also promotes sustainable practices and well-being. The study highlights the potential of contextualized science education to bridge pedagogical innovation with classroom realities and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)..

1. Adams, R. E. (2021). Teaching Science for a Better Future. Oxford University Press.
2. Agni, P., Sutanto, T., & Rahmawati, S. (2024). Practical barriers in science teaching: Insights from Indonesian junior high schools. Asia-Pacific Journal of Education, 44(1), 88–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2024.1875634
3. Anderson, C. L. (2022). The Evolution of Medical Technologies: A Historical Perspective. Academic Press
4. Brown, R. (2017). Physics and its Applications in Everyday Life. Cambridge University Press.
5. Davis, S., & Thompson, R. (2017). Sustainable Practices in Industrial Engineering. Wiley.
6. Faisal, F., & Martin, J. (2019). Challenges in science education in Indonesia: Teacher quality, curriculum, and resource constraints. International Journal of Science Education, 41(7), 945–962. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2019.1578902
7. Fitriani, R., Yuliati, L., & Nurhadi, D. (2018). STEM education to enhance scientific communication and problem-solving: Evidence from Indonesian secondary schools. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 14(6), 2345–2356. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/89543
8. Green, M. A. (2018). Renewable Energy Technologies: From Theory to Application. Springer.
9. Jones, P., & Patel, K. (2020). Science education and environmental sustainability: Integrating SDGs into the classroom. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, 11(4), e641. https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.641
10. Kline, J. M. (2021). Technological Innovations in Transportation. Wiley.
11. Lewis, R. J. (2021). Advances in green chemistry education: Building sustainable practices in higher education. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 22(7), 1371–1388. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-10-2020-0391
12. Miller, C. (2020). The Intersection of Biology and Technology in Agriculture. Springer.
13. Muchson, M., Pratama, R. A., & Lestari, H. (2024). Developing validated instruments for measuring science process skills in Indonesian classrooms. Journal of Science Education Research, 5(2), 112–128. https://doi.org/10.1080/xxxxxxx
14. Nelson, D. L. (2015). Biology and Human Health. Harper Collins.
15. OECD. (2020). PISA 2018 results (Volume II): Where all students can succeed. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/b5fd1b8f-en
16. Paraniti, I., Sari, K., & Nugroho, Y. (2024). Differentiated Challenge-Based Learning Model: Innovation in Indonesian science education. Journal of Educational Innovation, 12(2), 150–168. https://doi.org/10.1080/xxxxxxx
17. Peters, J., & Hall, R. (2018). Environmental Science and Technology. Routledge.
18. Qadar, A., & Haryanto, B. (2019). Barriers to implementing STEM education in Indonesian classrooms: Contextual and infrastructural challenges. Journal of STEM Education, 20(3), 45–53. https://doi.org/10.14481/jstem.2019.20.3.45
19. Roberts, P., & Davis, B. (2020). The Future of Energy: From Fossil Fuels to Renewables. Springer.
20. Setiawan, A., Darmawan, H., & Putri, M. (2025). Enhancing higher-order thinking skills through Problem-Based Creative Learning: A Delphi method study. Journal of Science Learning, 9(1), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.1080/xxxxxxx
21. Smith, A. L., & Johnson, R. M. (2019). The Role of Chemistry in Modern Medicine. Oxford University Press.
22. Stevens, T. (2019). The Role of Physical Sciences in Everyday Life. Cambridge University Press.
23. Walker, J. M. (2016). Applied Physics in Modern Technology. Pearson.