Ready to experiment? A closer look at students’ scientific skills in lower secondary education

Experimentation is an essential part of science lessons. By its very nature, it not only gives students the opportunity to explore natural phenomena and processes and to acquire new knowledge but also helps them develop higher-order thinking skills, enhance motivation and stimulate interest in science. However, for experimentation to fulfil these goals, students must possess specific skills that need to be systematically developed throughout their science education. This study aimed to assess the level of selected experimental skills among students at the end of lower secondary education (ISCED 2) in Slovakia, focusing on working with variables. The results indicate that the level of these skills is insufficient. Students achieved the highest success rates on test items focused on transforming results into standard forms and designing an experimental procedure, while the lowest performance was observed in tasks involving the formulation of research questions and the assembly of experimental apparatus. These findings underscore the need to implement targeted measures to improve science teaching, with a particular emphasis on developing skills essential for effective experimentation.