WAYS TO DEVELOP PROJECT AND RESEARCH SKILLS OF 8TH GRADE STUDENTS THROUGH THE STEAM EDUCATION SYSTEM

Abstract

The development of project-research skills of school-age students plays an important role in shaping a successful and competitive personality in the future. The introduction of the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) education system into the educational process is an innovative way to develop students' interest in project work. The study analyzes the results of conducting research using the STEAM education system during the lesson through interdisciplinary approaches through horizontal planning. Action-research was also conducted based on previous best practices. The impact of the methods and approaches used in action research on student development and their academic achievements in the subject is highlighted, and recommendations are given for the further development of STEAM education in the educational environment. The conducted action-research work is aimed at assessing the content results of subject integration in the content of the visual arts lesson by the content of the curriculum. In addition, the main point of the study is to fully reveal the connection between art and science. Here, through art lessons, students are taught to create projects, work with data, analyze, and synthesize. The research focuses on the development of design and research skills of primary school students using the STEAM teaching method. The scope of the problems is identified, and ways to choose teaching methods based on the individual abilities of the student are discussed. Teaching methods developed using sources are considered an opportunity to increase the effectiveness of teaching. The study also considers the close relationship of creative disciplines with natural sciences and their methods. This is evidenced by the positive results of the study. The study contributed to the development of students’ design and research skills and increased their interest in experimental activities. Successful aspects of the study and aspects that need improvement are indicated. The study confirms the relevance of the research topic and was carried out at a high methodological standard.