Abstract:
The aim of the research is to investigate the role of hands-on learning in improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education according to the challenges of the 21st century. The research methodology applied for this research study involves examining, analyzing and summarizing relevant theoretical concepts, literature and internet sources as well as statistical data. The research summarised information on science centres in Latvia and the world, as well as did a survey to identify the problems of pupils and students in learning STEM subjects and their opinions on the science and innovation centres and the need to develop them. The results of the survey indicated that the young people had the greatest difficulty in learning exact science subjects, and they did not prefer choosing STEM study programmes. It is therefore important to develop science and innovation centres where young people can engage in hands-on technology activities in order to make them interested and motivate them to choose careers related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The research findings contribute to extant research on the trends and possibilities of hands-on technology in the training of the new generation for the development of youth technological skills and improving STEM education.
