Science Textbook Based on Merdeka Belajar Curriculum: Integration of Learning Implementation for Critical Thinking Skills

Merdeka Belajar Curriculum is implemented with the aim of training students' independence in thinking. Textbooks are an important part of creating learning resources. Through textbooks, teachers will find it easier to carry out learning and students will be more helped and easier to learn. The aim of this research was to examine science textbooks integrated with critical thinking skills that were practically applied to support the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum in junior high schools. This type of research used educational design research-based development, the intervention developed was a textbook that must meet the criteria of being valid, practical and effective. The research design used was 4-D, namely Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate. Determining the sample in this research used purposive sampling. Subject selection was carried out to provide the required data and information. The samples for this research were students in class VIII junior high school at the Besuki Ex-Karisidenan. The time for conducting research was planned in Odd Semester 2023/2024. The percentage results during the three meetings, the average implementation of the integration of learning for critical thinking skills using the science textbook in the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum was 0.93. The process of training students to think critically was needed in the learning process so that students can face and answer the challenges of the future. The ability to solve problems required the ability to think critically in looking for alternative ways to find solutions.