Font Size: 

The purpose of this research is to analyze the improvement of understanding of science concept of junior high school students through STAD type cooperative learning by utilizing the fruit of Muntingia calabura L. The research was conducted on 7A grade students of SMP Negeri 4 Banjarharjo as much 30 students in the academic year 2015/2016. This research was conducted with 2 cycles using one group pre-test design post-test design. Data collection using test, response questionnaire and observation of the implementation. The data collected were analyzed using paired t-tests, N-gain, a percentage of student response and percentage of agreement. The results showed that: 1) there was a significant increase in understanding of IPA concept on α = 5% with a high categorization of N-gain, 2) student's response to learning is very good, and 3) RPP good categorization. The conclusion obtained from the research is that there is an increase of understanding of science concept of junior high school students through cooperative learning type STAD by utilizing fruit plant Muntingia calabura L.

conceptual understanding, cooperative learning, Muntingia calabura L.