Developing students’ ability to apply knowledge and skills through exercises with practical content in teaching the topic “density and pressure” in Natural science for grade 8

Abstract

In the context of educational reform aimed at developing students’ personalities and competencies, the teaching of subjects in general education must focus on fostering both general and specific competencies in students, including within the subject of Natural Sciences. In this subject, the ability to apply acquired knowledge and skills is one of the key components of Natural Sciences Competency that should be cultivated and developed in students. The topic “Density and Pressure” in the 8th-grade Natural Sciences curriculum, under the section “Energy and Transformation” is highly relevant to real-world applications and has numerous uses in technology, production, and everyday life, which plays a role as a resource for teachers to exploit a variety of real-world-based exercises, for organizing instruction that approaches students’ competencies. Through this, students are offered numerous opportunities to explore, investigate, and apply the knowledge and skills they have learned to practical contexts. This study presents an approach to using reality-based exercises in teaching the topic “Density and Pressure” to enhance students’ ability to apply acquired knowledge and skills effectively.