Usage of Situational Tasks in the Training of Future Teachers of Natural Sciences Using the Example of Studying the Discipline «toxicological Chemistry of Ecoobjects»

Ecology and toxicology are given significant attention in higher education institutions, aligning with the overall dynamic development of natural science education and ensuring the quality of training for teachers of natural sciences – chemistry, physics, and biology. The necessity of preparing future teachers for the development of students' ecological competence in primary schools underscores the relevance and importance of studying the educational discipline «Toxicological Chemistry of Ecoobjects». This article emphasizes the importance of forming foundational knowledge in ecotoxicology for future teachers of natural sciences, particularly in the areas of biological toxins, industrial poisons, narcotics and psychotropic substances, carcinogens, and mutagenic compounds. Special attention is given to the use of situational tasks in teaching the course «Toxicological Chemistry of Ecoobjects" as an effective method that stimulates motivation and emotional engagement in learning. The course aims to develop skills in searching and analyzing scientific information, and independent work on situational tasks enhances students' creative thinking and abilities. The use of modular learning technology allows for the systematization of material and demonstrates the connection between theory and practice. The article includes examples of situational tasks that capture students' particular interest and deepen their understanding of the impact of toxic substances on human genetic material. The use of situational tasks enables the assessment of students' preparedness from the perspective of competency-oriented learning, as solving them always involves the use of logical thinking skills and information processing. They can serve as a resource to motivate students for cognitive activities, contributing to the development of professional independence and the improvement of the quality of their education and preparation for teaching natural science disciplines. Future research will focus on developing situational tasks with ecotoxicological content for the training of future teachers of natural sciences in educational and industrial settings.