PEDAGOGICAL AND DIDACTIC BASES OF TEACHING CHEMISTRY EXPERIMENTS THROUGH VIRTUAL LABORATORY (PhET)

This article analyzes the pedagogical and didactic foundations of teaching chemistry experiments through virtual laboratories, in particular PhET interactive simulations. The role of virtual laboratories in the educational process, their advantages and limitations compared to traditional laboratory exercises are scientifically substantiated. The possibilities of using the PhET platform to form chemical concepts in students, develop experimental skills, and increase their competence in independent thinking and problem solving are highlighted. The importance of didactic principles in teaching virtual experiments - demonstration, interactivity, systematicity, and individualization - is also revealed. The results of the study show that PhET virtual laboratories are an effective pedagogical tool in teaching chemistry, and methodological recommendations are developed for their widespread introduction in secondary schools and vocational education.