The Development of Natural Science Competences of Students Through Project-Based Learning

Sa？etak The development of competence in science is one of the main goals in modern education and school systems. Natural science competences can be developed through a combination of traditional teaching methods and contemporary methods that require the additional organization of teaching. The aim of contemporary teaching is to involve students actively in the teaching process where the student is at the center of the teaching process. In order to introduce the scientific approach to teaching and development of natural science competences in schools, it is necessary to initiate and introduce teachers and students into modern teaching and learning methods. It is especially important to strengthen the co-operation of primary school teachers with higher education teachers encouraging continuous work through joint projects in order to develop natural science competences. This paper presents activities and examples of project-based teaching, collaborative learning, practical work, games and simulations on the topic "Cell" for a different age of students. Project teaching resulted in the development of natural science competencies in primary school students, but also in university students who were actively be involved in preparing and performing all activities