PRINCIPLES OF THE FORMATION OF NATURAL SCIENTIFIC COMPETENCE AS THE BASIS OF A SYSTEMIC UNDERSTANDING OF NATURE

The article is devoted to the actual problem of forming natural science competence in the modern educational space. The ways of forming a deep understanding of natural processes and phenomena in students, as well as developing their ability to apply scientific knowledge to solve real problems are investigated. Different approaches to the formation of natural science competence are analyzed and the main principles that contribute to its development are highlighted. The study emphasizes the importance of not only the transfer of factual knowledge, but also the formation of skills such as analysis, synthesis, evaluation of information and critical thinking. An integrated approach is proposed that combines theoretical foundations and practical aspects of teaching science. Practical recommendations on the principles of science competence formation for researchers and teachers, curriculum developers and educators aimed at improving the quality of science education are generalized. The results of the analysis of scientific literature and own research confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approaches. It has been determined that for the successful formation of natural science competence, it is necessary to create an educational environment that stimulates the active cognitive activity of students, ensures their involvement in research and promotes the development of critical thinking. The possibilities of implementing the principles of forming natural science competence are revealed using the example of one of the topics of the discipline of general earth science. The principles of forming competence outlined are useful for teachers, as they allow integrating various natural science disciplines, developing in students a natural science vision, the ability to predict and make rational decisions, as well as forming a comprehensively developed personality capable of living and working in modern society.