Dea Mustika

Although Kurikulum Merdeka promotes flexible, student-centered learning, the implementation of Natural and Social Sciences (IPAS) instruction in elementary schools continues to face various challenges. This study aimed to describe the challenges in implementing IPAS instruction under Kurikulum Merdeka in Grade V at SD Negeri 005 Desa Baru, Kampar Regency. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach involving two fifth-grade teachers and six purposively selected students. Three students had IPAS scores above 75, and three had scores below 75. Data were collected through nonparticipant observation, structured interviews, and documentation and analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Data trustworthiness was assessed through triangulation of sources and data collection techniques. The findings identified three domains of challenges related to students, teachers, and learning assessment. Student-related challenges were the most prominent, including differences in understanding, declining attention after approximately 15–20 minutes of lecturing, interest that depended on the type of activity, uneven participation, dependence on external motivation, inconsistent task management, and varying levels of learning readiness. Teacher-related challenges included the breadth of integrated science and social studies content and classroom management during group activities. Assessment involved oral quizzes and student worksheets, supplemented by remedial instruction and enrichment. Achievement scores ranged from 60 to 96, with a mastery threshold of 75. These findings underscore the need for differentiated instruction, concrete and contextually relevant instructional media, clearly assigned group roles, time management, and the use of assessment results to improve instruction. This study provides a contextual account of challenges in IPAS instruction and the need to adapt fifth-grade teaching practices. Its restriction to one school and a focused observation period highlights the need for further research covering more lessons and IPAS topics.