THE INNOVATIVE IMPACT OF STEAM-BASEDINSTRUCTION ON THE COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENTOF 8TH GRADE STUDENTS IN CHEMISTRYLESSONS

This study explores the transformative role of STEAM-based instruction in enhancing cognitive development among 8th grade students during chemistry lessons.As education evolves to meet the demands of the 21st century, integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) has emerged as a powerful pedagogical approach to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.The research investigates how interdisciplinary learning tasks, real-world scenarios, and hands-on experimentation within the STEAM framework influence students' ability to understand, analyze, and apply core chemical concepts.A comparative analysis was conducted between an experimental group exposed to STEAM-integrated teaching and a control group taught through traditional methods.Findings demonstrate that students engaged in STEAM-based learning displayed higher levels of conceptual mastery, motivation, and reflective thinking.This article contributes to current discourse on innovative chemistry education by presenting practical evidence for the effectiveness of STEAM instruction in fostering deeper cognitive engagement and preparing learners for complex scientific challenges.