Abstract
The article discusses the importance of modern approaches to organizing biology clubs. The relevance of the study is due to the need to find effective formats for developing 21st-century competencies in students, including critical thinking, quantitative analysis, digital literacy, and research skills. The aim of the study is to identify the impact of innovative forms of extracurricular activities on the formation of students’ key competencies and to compare their effectiveness. The activities of the «Nature Researchers» club (8th grade) were conducted in a traditional format, while the activities of the «Digital Biologists» club (8th grade) were based on the use of STEM technologies in the field of «Growing Crops Using Advanced Agricultural Technologies.» The conducted pedagogical experiment showed that the implementation of the STEM model ensures a pronounced positive dynamic in developing students’ educational, research, and communication skills, creating conditions for successful adaptation in the society of the future.