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Peer-reviewedCC BYFrontiers in Education

Integration of STEM technologies in chemistry education: opportunities, challenges, and future directions

  • Bakytgul Kabykenovna Massalimova1
  • A.S. Darmenbayeva2
  • Irina Afanasenkova3
  • Dautova Zukhra Satbekovna3
  • Lira Zhurkhabaeva4
  • Rashida Zhanaliyeva5
  • Bazarkhan Imangaliyeva6
  • Bakhyt Shaikhova3
  • Aisulu Ungarbayeva5
  • Aisulu Kabylbekova7
  • Karlyga Almuratova6
  • Молдир Аскарова3
7 affiliations
  1. 1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University
  2. 2Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, M.Kh. Dulaty Taraz University
  3. 3Department of Chemistry, S. Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University
  4. 4Department of Chemistry, University Named After M. Auezov
  5. 5Department of Chemistry, Biology and Ecology, Central Asian Innovation University
  6. 6Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional State University
  7. 7Department of Chemistry, Biology and Physical Education, Miras University
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Abstract

The integration of STEM technologies into chemistry education is increasingly viewed as a powerful driver of transformation, capable of enhancing traditional teaching and supporting the development of critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, and practical skills. This review focuses on the pedagogical integration of STEM-related technologies in chemistry education, particularly virtual laboratories, simulations, molecular visualization systems, and mathematical modeling tools, and analyzes their role in supporting conceptual understanding, inquiry-based learning, and interdisciplinary competencies. A narrative review approach was applied to analyze recent studies on the implementation of virtual laboratories, digital simulations, molecular visualization tools, and mathematical modeling platforms in chemistry teaching, with attention to their pedagogical functions and learning outcomes. The synthesis of evidence demonstrates that STEM-based technologies improve accessibility, support practical and inquiry-based learning, enhance teamwork, and facilitate the understanding of abstract chemical concepts through interactive and visual tools. However, several challenges remain, including a shortage of qualified teachers, high financial costs, uneven technological infrastructure, and students’ difficulties adapting to technology-rich environments. The review concludes that effective integration of STEM technologies in chemistry education requires targeted professional development, strategic investment in infrastructure, curriculum refinement, and closer collaboration between educational institutions and industry.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{massalimova2026integration,
  title = {{Integration of STEM technologies in chemistry education: opportunities, challenges, and future directions}},
  author = {Bakytgul Kabykenovna Massalimova and A.S. Darmenbayeva and Irina Afanasenkova and Dautova Zukhra Satbekovna and Lira Zhurkhabaeva and Rashida Zhanaliyeva and Bazarkhan Imangaliyeva and Bakhyt Shaikhova and Aisulu Ungarbayeva and Aisulu Kabylbekova and Karlyga Almuratova and Молдир Аскарова},
  journal = {Frontiers in Education},
  year = {2026},
  month = jun,
  doi = {10.3389/feduc.2026.1823241},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2026.1823241},
  note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Integration of STEM technologies in chemistry education: opportunities, challenges, and future directions
AU  - Bakytgul Kabykenovna Massalimova
AU  - A.S. Darmenbayeva
AU  - Irina Afanasenkova
AU  - Dautova Zukhra Satbekovna
AU  - Lira Zhurkhabaeva
AU  - Rashida Zhanaliyeva
AU  - Bazarkhan Imangaliyeva
AU  - Bakhyt Shaikhova
AU  - Aisulu Ungarbayeva
AU  - Aisulu Kabylbekova
AU  - Karlyga Almuratova
AU  - Молдир Аскарова
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/06/24
JO  - Frontiers in Education
DO  - 10.3389/feduc.2026.1823241
UR  - https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2026.1823241
AB  - The integration of STEM technologies into chemistry education is increasingly viewed as a powerful driver of transformation, capable of enhancing traditional teaching and supporting the development of critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, and practical skills. This review focuses on the pedagogical integration of STEM-related technologies in chemistry education, particularly virtual laboratories, simulations, molecular visualization systems, and mathematical modeling tools, and analyzes their role in supporting conceptual understanding, inquiry-based learning, and interdisciplinary competencies. A narrative review approach was applied to analyze recent studies on the implementation of virtual laboratories, digital simulations, molecular visualization tools, and mathematical modeling platforms in chemistry teaching, with attention to their pedagogical functions and learning outcomes. The synthesis of evidence demonstrates that STEM-based technologies improve accessibility, support practical and inquiry-based learning, enhance teamwork, and facilitate the understanding of abstract chemical concepts through interactive and visual tools. However, several challenges remain, including a shortage of qualified teachers, high financial costs, uneven technological infrastructure, and students’ difficulties adapting to technology-rich environments. The review concludes that effective integration of STEM technologies in chemistry education requires targeted professional development, strategic investment in infrastructure, curriculum refinement, and closer collaboration between educational institutions and industry.
SN  - 2504-284X
ER  -