A Holistic Look at the 2024 Updated Middle School Science Curriculum in Light of 21st Century Skills

Abstract

This study examines the 2024 revised Middle School Science Curriculum within the framework of 21st-century skills, aiming to evaluate how effectively it supports the development of students equipped to meet the demands of the modern era. Based on a qualitative research design and utilizing a descriptive method, the study directly reviews the curriculum and interprets the included skills through the lens of 21st-century competencies. According to the findings, the most emphasized skills in the program are critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific reasoning, digital and information literacy, creativity, and communication and collaboration-based learning. These skills are intended to be integrated into student learning through interdisciplinary connections and hands-on activities. While the curriculum also significantly highlights social-emotional skills, it gives relatively limited attention to other areas such as entrepreneurship, media literacy, leadership, productivity, and intercultural understanding. Overall, the program is found to be largely aligned with 21st-century skills, although certain areas remain open to further development.