THE ROLE OF STEM LAB EXPERIMENTS IN BUILDING SCIENCE LITERACY IN CHEMISTRY EDUCATION

Abstract

This article brings out how much the role played by STEM laboratories boosts science literacy, with particular reference to chemistry. It looks at how this experiential learning reconciles the disparity that always exists between abstract theoretical views and practical understanding, hence enhancing effective appreciation of complex scientific principles. By conducting experiments in a laboratory, students receive the most crucial aspects to become successful in their academic and working career in STEM. This paper goes further to show an insight on how these hands-on experiences increase student involvement, motivation and create an environment that encourages working together; something taken to be parallel to what is involved in scientific research working. This paper also goes into how equipping STEM labs with cutting-edge technologies like virtual simulations and the corresponding digital tools would be like. These technologies do not only support learning but also fully prepare students for the now highly technological and digitized modern landscape of science and industry. It is about the creation of a scientific and creatively competent generation of thinkers who ought to provide a solution to most of the problems that face the globe in the 21^st century. The global workforce requirements now carry new emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Therein, educational systems need to alter themselves to fit that bill. Without proper incorporation of lab-based learning, the paper argues, we cannot be in a position to prepare and equip our students for a future that will require both scientific knowledge and technological proficiency.