DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVING STUDENTS' EXPERIMENTAL SKILLS THROUGH STEM ACTIVITIES

There are some trends currently being monitored in the country: interest in science studies and related professions is decreasing; unsatisfactory results of international student achievement research (PISA, TIMSS). In order to make students more interested in natural sciences and to motivate them to relate their life to STEAM activities, it is appropriate to encourage students to engage in independent research and to discover the joy of discovery. One of the ways to solve this problem is the students' practical experimental activity in the laboratories of University. In this way, students not only get to know the laws of science, new technologies, but also carry out experiments, research and projects. The research analyses the usage of STEAM program “Cognition of Energy and Thermal Processes” for students of ninth (1st Gymnasium) grades in order to deepen and broaden the knowledge of natural science education, develop practical abilities of students and their scientific researcher's competence. Students are advised to do five experimental works in this field. The program engages a basic educational method – inquiry-based learning. The results of the pedagogical experiment and the questionnaire survey are discussed. It can be stated that educational experimental activities are necessary and useful for students. By using these experimental activities, students can be provided with educational material in an attractive form, which stimulates the interest in the subject. Program participants have deepened and expanded their knowledge of energy and thermal processes in nature. Students improved their competence in natural science research. They learned how to plan and perform experiments, acquired the ability to formulate hypotheses, to make assumptions, to analyse and explain results, and to formulate reasoned conclusions. Students acquired practical skills to work properly and safely with devices and tools (computer systems Nova 5000 and Xplorer GLX, temperature, humidity sensors, caliper, scales, etc.) Students liked to be young researchers; they felt the joy of discovery by practically experimenting and independently exploring natural phenomena.