CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Every human being has an element of curiosity in him, which when added to interest leads an individual to be involved in the act of inquiry. However, the degree of which this act of curiosity develops in an individual defers. The act of inquiry is a fundamental part of science. Science as defined by professional; body ids an interconnected series of concepts and conceptual science that have develop, as a result of experimentation and observation and are fruitful of further observation and experimentation. Science deals with observation, testing of observed facts, hearing, seeing; touching learning materials for learning should be presented in a manner as to provide students with the opportunity to become actively involved intellectually, perceptually and physically.
Inspite of the varied idea people hold about science there is no doubt that science has formed an integral part of our well being and a vital instrument for rapid industrial development of any nation. It is therefore of great paramount importance for any nation to integrate science in her educational programme. Professor Babs Fafuwa once said that “a nation who overlook the significance of science in our age is at her own peril”. Science in this age he noted, has obviously become a necessary tool of good living, good health, good home making and to leisure and of paramount importance to national security. Hence most educational planners over the year have realized the essence of science as a useful element of nation building and have therefore attempted to give science subject the necessary attention in post primary education.
Most educational planner over the years have realized the essence of science as a useful element of nation building and have therefore attempted to give science subject the necessary attention in post primary education. Similarly, teaching of science should be as a way of taught, inquiry, attitude or as a product by laying emphasis on the importance of science instructional aids and invariably the need for the provision and use of necessary science equipment in the process of teaching chemistry . The science instructional material, according to Professor Babs “the role of science in Nigeria today and tomorrow” journal of science teachers association of Nigeria has been seen by pinchers tamir as “a place where students are engaged in hands and activities such as observation and experiments.
Science instructional materials in its ramification were used for the purpose of achieving specific purpose. Science teaching materials can be used to described things as they are for the description of principles and used to described things as they are for the description of principles and reversibility, hypothetic, reasoning and problem solving ability. The use of science teaching materials as a channel of communication promote the interest of students, focus, concentrate and gear the students attitude towards learning by practical. Science instructional materials promote effective and efficient instruction, facilitate and help to achieve behavioral objectives.
This study on the effect of the use of science instructional material on the performance of students in Chemistry at senior secondary school level will attempt to offer a broad base for the need to making the learning of science in particular to been seen as a way of thought of attitude or of products.