IMPROVING STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS THROUGH PHOTOSYNTHESIS EXPERIMENT IN ENHANCING CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS

This research focused on improving students with intellectual disabilities science process skills through photosynthesis experiments using various light intensities in enhancing climate change awareness. The research was conducted in one of Sekolah Luar Biasa in Bandung, Jawa Barat Indonesia to six students with intellectual disabilities with IQ below 65. The experiments were conducted using Hydrilla Verticillata and treated using sunlight, 50-watt light, indoor light, and coloured plastic sheet. The research found that students with intellectual disabilities could learn the topic. In so doing, the preparation stage plays an important role to design the tools and materials needed for the activities. Students' abilities should be scrutinized, and the learning objectives should be adapted based on their actual condition. Besides, giving them a challenging question is also suggested to build their understanding and to develop their analytical abilities. As part of society, students with intellectual disabilities also play an essential role in taking care of the environment. Teacher's knowledge and understanding of the scientific topic are definitely indispensable so students' needs can be accommodated and their knowledge on the topic improves which eventually helps to build their better life.