CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Education has remained an instrument of change and national
development. It is a social process and the medium for the acquisition of
relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes for survival in a changing world. The
importance of science and technology to national development in the life of any
country cannot be over-emphasized. This is because knowledge and skills in
science and technology are very vital in the development of any society.
Mulenwa (2002) points out that, the fast changing applications of science and
technology and the global reliance on their processes and products in all areas
of human endeavour have made them invaluable that any society or country
without them risk being alienated from the global village.
Science refers to the
systematic study of physical and natural environment which surrounds man in the
society. With the knowledge of science, the life of man has improved greatly.
Stanley (2006) asserts that, science is the study of the structure and
behaviour of the physical and natural world of society especially through
observation and experiment. Opong (1981)
1
defined science as “knowledge obtained by observation and
testing of facts”. According to him, every science must have the ability to
observe, keep records, measure and use numbers, make prediction and classify.
By implication, science must follow a systematic procedure. Hence, Bassir
(1981) defined science as a body of knowledge systematically tested about
matter and the earth environment. Science employs data collection tools such as
observation and experimentation etc. Data so collected are usually subjected to
rigorous verification to determine validity and reliability. Analysis of such,
provides genuine basis for inference and postulations.
The National Policy on Education (1981) maintained that
basic science at the primary science level is geared towards “the laying of a
sound basis for scientific and reflective thinking giving the learner
opportunity for developing manipulative skills that will enable him to function
effectively in the society within the limit of his capacity and providing basic
tools for further educational achievement, including preparation for trades and
crafts of the locality.
Science and
technology have great impact in the life of man in the society. Science and
technology have become such critical factors of economic and social development
that life without them can no longer be contemplated. In addition, through
science and technology, a nation develops its manpower in the critical areas
such as agriculture, engineering, architecture, medicine, and other science
based professions and technologies. The benefits of science and technology have
transversed every conceivable sphere of human life. For example, man‟s ability
to provide high quality goods and services has improved tremendously. New
drugs, vaccines, sophisticated equipment and tools have been produced which are
helping in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases thereby enhancing
longevity. High- yielding varieties of crops and animals as well as disease
resistant varieties have been developed. Through science and technology,
transportation and communication have improved remarkably; sophisticated
buildings that provide comfortable accommodation for people have also been
constructed. As a result of these benefits that accrue from the pursuit of
science and technology, many countries have been making frantic efforts towards
their development so as to keep pace with the rest of the world.
In Nigeria, the system of education that was inherited from
the colonial masters was inadequate and to a large extent, irrelevant to the
developmental needs of the society (Afe, 2009). This is because the schools
were mainly of the grammar type aimed at training boys and girls for clerical
and white-cola jobs. Though there were attempts to introduce students to the
rudiments of science and technology in subjects like black smith, carpentry,
bricklaying (Bajah, 2007). However, the
voluntary agencies that pioneered western education were unable to popularize
science and technology education on the same scale as literacy education
because of the cost of equipment, dearth of manpower, among others. The effect
of public opinion caused plans to be made for a series of national curriculum
conference to redirect the course of Nigerian education in the face of the new
felt needs and aspirations of the people. In 1977, a document tagged the
national policy on education was released by the Federal Government which was
revised in 1981, 1998 and 2004 (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004). In the
document, efforts were made to put in place certain measures and policies aimed
at enhancing the development of science and technology in Nigeria.
Basic science and technology therefore refers to the least
knowledge, skills which an individual is expected to acquire through
observation and experimentation of the physical and natural environment around
them. Bajah (2007) asserts that science and technology has a great positive
impact on man due to giant strides made by the knowledge and skills acquired
therein to improve man.