FACTORS RELATED TO UNDERACHIEVEMENT IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (EDUCATION PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Science is the knowledge about the structure and behavior of the natural and physical world based on facts that can be proved. Science is an attempt by human beings to organize their experiences about nature into meaningful system of explanation (Isyaku, 2009). The major objective of science education as stated in the National Policy on Education is “to equip the students to live effectively in our modern age of science and technology” (FRN, 2004).
Technology is the application of scientific ideas and tools into productive use. It may also mean the end product processed from science. It is often a consequence of science and engineering, although technology as a human activity precedes the two fields.
Science and technology are modern terms use by the nations of the world to advertise the nation’s progressive development. With science, technological products are made easier and more productive because science and technology are symbiotically related, the former reinforcing the latter (Isyaku, 2009). Science and technology study is the study of how social, political and cultural values affect scientific research and technological innovation and how these in turn affect society, politics and culture.
Mathematics arose as a consequence of practical problem which man was determined to solved, thus it grew up with civilization and in fact the very first of science to develop. To live as a useful and effective modern society, every individual requires some knowledge of mathematics (Adetunji, 2001). For the purpose of commercial activities, farming, politics and decision making, every individual requires a certain amount of competence in basic mathematics.
A little knowledge of mathematics will help a builder to design, take accurate measurement and identify shapes and solid (Olaore, 2004).
Science, Technology and Mathematics Education (STME) has been proved to be an indispensable factor in the economic development of any country and for Nigeria, it has a more critical role to play. Science, Technology and Mathematics Education (STME) are also universal in the sense that the underlying principles of science, technology and mathematics are the same throughout the world, even though the social context and local relevance may vary.
