Levelsof Awarenessand Understandingof Chemical Warning Signsamong Selected Stem Studentsof Tanauan City National High School: Basis foran Action Plan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Developments in science and technology change the world rapidly. Thus, primary objective of the society should be founding a science and research based information-society, which makes science and technology. One of the best places where students can practice learning-by-doing is science labs at schools. In these labs, students may learn science subjects more effectively and discover basic concepts,principles and laws of science through experiments. Lab studies provide students to participate science activities learn scientific methods and appreciate it. Moreover, they let students observe and develop their ability to generate ideas and make comments. Students also develop their reasoning, critical thinking and problem solving abilities via lab studies (Kaptan, 2008).

METHODS

The study made use of a researcher made questionnaire that was subjected for modification and validation by experts before actual use. The study made use of frequency count to determine the number of responses in each item in the questionnaire. Percentage was used to determine what part of the respondents answered a particular item. Ranking will be used to determine the problemsand the ways the teachers adopted in the absence of tools/equipment and materials. Weighted Mean was employed to determine the average response based on the weight of the chosen option. Chi square test was used to determine association between profile andtheir assessment, and Pearson r to ascertain correlation between level of awareness and level of understanding of the respondents.

RESULTS

These findings are parallel with the results of a case study done at Jimma University of Southwestern Ethiopia by Adane and Abeje (2012) which assessed students' familiarity and comprehension of chemical hazard warning signs at the Departments of Chemistry and Biology. The results of the study revealed that the majority of the respondents regarded that they were aware of the hazards of laboratory chemicals but with lower familiarity with hazard signs of laboratory chemicals.

DISCUSSIONS

This study was undertaken to assess the awareness of students about hazards and risks of laboratory chemicals and understanding of hazard warning signs of chemicals. The data gathered were statistically treated using percentage, ranking, weighted mean, chi square, and Pearson r.