The Development and Production of Low-Cost Improvised Mobile-Micro Science Apparatus and Kits

Abstract

the physical world. For this reason, science education provides part of the foundation for any knowledge-based inquiry. This paper presents results from the first stage of a three-stage project, designed to improve the learning of science by students through laboratory practical work activities. In Nigeria, one of the limiting factors for teaching Science in schools is the non-availability of even the most basic equipment for use in demonstration and laboratory exercises. Shortages of chemicals and equipment mean that teachers replace student experiments by teacher demonstrations or merely describe experiments and their outcome. Such practices are at odds with the expressed aims of science education. The first phase of this project involves the development and production of improvised low-cost apparatus and science kits that students could easily purchase and carry out their laboratory experiments on their own at home. The second phase of the project will involve the writing of students and teachers' manuals that can be used with the improvised resources made. The third phase of the project will seek to address the very difficult problems of maintenance. Such a problem has been recognized by UNESCO where it emphasizes that necessary steps should be taken for maintenance and care of materials after use. The major contribution to knowledge is that as a nation we need to be self-reliant especially in the development and manufacture of science education equipment and kits. Hence, this project should therefore encourage the establishment and development of small-scale enterprises in the area of equipment manufacturing. If the equipment is also low-cost, then it is more likely that it will be used in the classroom