Chemical experiment in Russian schools

Many arguments in favor of chemical experiment, both old and new ones, were put forward. It was demonstrated that chemical experiment is valuable by itself and instrumental in teaching and forms metadomain skills. The idea that chemical experiment should form concepts rather than illustrate them was substantiated. Opportunities for chemical experiments in modern Russian schools were considered. Legislation dealing with chemical experiment was criticized for numerous collisions, and possible ways to avoid these collisions were suggested. It was noted that staffing problem could be reduced reasonably by encouraging teachers. For methodological support, which is also crucial, some points of development were indicated (digital laboratories, inquiry learning, and shifting the role of experiment from concept illustration to concept formation). It was stated that the supply of chemical experiment is insufficient but can be optimized by some measures that should be taken by educational authorities.