Computer Modeling as a Means of Implementing Project-Based Activities in STEM-Education

Abstract

The issues of application of projects implemented with the help of computer modeling within the framework of STEM-education, which is fundamentally different from traditional teaching, are considered. This system creates conditions for development and improvement of analytical and creative abilities of students, gives them an opportunity to try themselves in teamwork, and develops their independence in acquiring new knowledge. This type of activity contributes to the integration of academic subjects, the formation of students’ skills of using modern technologies and modeling in their activities. Independent creation of models gives students the opportunity to better understand the basic properties of objects, phenomena, processes, their studied components, and the relationship between them. The study of models develops in children the skills of analysis, synthesis, critical thinking, and methodical approach to content realization by means of computer modeling within the framework of project-based activities. The results of the research into the use of computer modeling as a means of implementing project activities in STEM-education are presented. The conception of the research was cross-cutting skills common for all key competencies would be formed among those who receive education after the STEM-projects implementation. Cross-cutting skills are formed in all subjects and are common to the key competencies. In the course of the study we have come to the conclusion that after the implementation of STEM-projects the distribution of cross-curricular skills common to all key competencies of education applicants has changed.