CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The growth and development of most nations are dependent on science, technology and mathematics education. Science is that organized body of knowledge, which enhances the ability to acquire skills. It is a search for meaning or exploration of events in nature (Ifeakor 2006). Science and technology related subjects that would enable students have a substantial understanding of science and be able to apply scientific knowledge in solving problems in their ever changing society are Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Health Science, Introductory technology and Chemistry.

Chemistry is one of the compulsory subjects for one to study science/ technology related courses in tertiary institutions. It is the science that deals with the properties of different atoms, the ways in which they join together to form molecules, the interaction of various kinds of molecules with one another and the accompanying energy changes. It is the heart or nucleus of science (Adeyemo, 2005). The science of chemistry includes properties, composition and structure of matter as well as structural, compositional and energy changes involved in chemical reactions. From the foregoing therefore, the major objective of teaching chemistry in our schools is to enable the students interpret the universe, since the great variety of materials in the universe can be classified into two great entities: energy and matter. Chemistry has developed knowledge in all these areas of energy and matter which will significantly help in achieving the objective of interpreting the universe (Adeyemo, 2005).

The technological development of any nation lies in the study of science especially chemistry. The role of Chemistry in national development is acknowledged in the whole world (Udofia and Udo, 2006).The significance of chemistry in all fields of science and technology has made chemistry imperative to be included in the curriculum of senior secondary school to be offered by science oriented students. The Nigerian secondary school Chemistry curriculum has the following objectives:

• Facilitate a transition in the use of scientific concepts and techniques acquired in Integrated Science with Chemistry.
• Provide the students with basic knowledge in chemical concepts and principles through efficient selection of content and sequencing.
• Show Chemistry in its inter-relationship with other subjects;
• 2Show Chemistry and its link with industry, everyday life, benefits and hazards;
• Provide a course which is complete for students not proceeding to higher education while it is at the same time, a reasonably adequate foundation for post-secondary Chemistry courses. (FME & CESAC, 2009p.

With the importance of chemistry and provisions made by the Federal Government of Nigeria for effective teaching and learning of chemistry, the objectives of its teaching and learning as stated in the Nigerian secondary school chemistry curriculum is yet to be achieved. Chemistry is one of the science subjects which have been taught using different methods for instance, Ifeakor, (2005) used commercially produced Computer Assisted Instructional package to teach chemistry, while Olorundare, (2009) used Concept mapping and analogy to teach chemistry yet student’s performance in chemistry is not encouraging.

1. 1. This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research work
2. 2. As a source for additional understanding of the subject.
3. 3. As a source for ideas for your own research work (if properly referenced).
4. 4. For PROPER paraphrasing (see your university definition of plagiarism and acceptable paraphrase)
5. 5. Direct citing (if referenced properly)
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