Theoretical and methodological principles of natural sciences and mathematical education (STEM-education)

The article presents the results of theoretical and practical analysis of the problem of STEM education in Ukraine. The authors assume that the definition of theoretical and methodological principles of this problem will help create conditions for the effective completion of educational and upbringing tasks in educational institutions. The article reveals the main conceptual principles of the order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine 05.082020 № 960-r «On approval of the Conception of natural sciences and mathematical education development (STEM-education)». Implementation of this Conception is envisaged by 2027. This Conception is aimed at the development of STEM-education, its large-scale implementation at all levels of education, establishing partnerships with employers and research institutions and their involvement in the development of natural sciences and mathematical education. The article also reveals the main theoretical and methodological principles of STEM-education such as: methodological principles, resource principles, organizational conditions and human resources, which ensures the success of the implementation of innovative learning in the education system. Creating an educational STEM-environment in an educational institution is one of the main tasks of the current stage of development of STEM-education. The educational STEM-environment of an educational institution is a set of intellectual and material conditions for the implementation of research results, technologies, engineering and integrated knowledge that ensure the self-development of a free and active personality and the realization of creative potential of students. STEM-education is implemented under the conditions of integration of all types of education on the basis of online platforms, media products, STEM-centers or laboratories, virtual STEM-centers, using non-standard methods, such as: STEM-excursions, interactive quests, contests or competitions in areas such as Internet of Things and robotics, STEM -festivals of makers and inventors, scientific picnics, hackathons, etc. The authors assume that the use of the above innovative and interactive methods and forms of work, organically combined with the peculiarities of educational activities, will effectively meet requirements of the Conception of natural sciences and mathematical education development (STEM-education), will allow students to form skills of research and engineering, invention and entrepreneurship, will provide support to students in their professional self-determination.