DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS RESEARCH AND CREATIVE SKILLS THROUGH THE USE OF STEAM TECHNOLOGY IN THE INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COURSE

Abstract

This study examines the comprehensive effectiveness of applying STEAM technology in teaching inorganic chemistry. During the research, specially organized lessons and laboratory activities were conducted on the topics “Chemical Reaction Rate” and “Chemical Equilibrium”, aimed at integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience. A preliminary survey revealed that students faced several difficulties in the development of research, creative, and scientific skills. Therefore, elements of STEAM technology were introduced into the educational process in order to increase students’ interest in the subject and to develop their practical skills. During the practical activities, students applied STEAM technology to further explore the acquired scientific theoretical knowledge and develop their research skills, enabling them to apply this knowledge in practice. Modeling, visualization, and graphical processing of laboratory results significantly enhanced students’ creative thinking. The results of the post-survey demonstrated the effectiveness of STEAM technology in developing students’ research competence. The findings of the study confirm that the STEAM approach plays an important role in improving the quality of chemistry education and in enhancing students’ scientific and cognitive engagement.