Comparative Study of Preconceived Scientific Ideas Held by Different Groups of Junior Secondary School Students in Niger State, Nigeria

This study investigates the preconceptions of junior secondary school students in Niger State on scientific ideas. The sample was made up of three hundred and sixty (360) junior secondary school students (JSSS I) who were randomly selected from twelve secondary schools. Four schools in each three educational zones with thirty (30) students from each school (15 males and 15 females) were used. The research instrument used was a 24 items of preconceptions on scientific ideas scale (POSIS) adapted by the researcher to obtain students’ preconceptions on scientific ideas. Five experts in science education validated the instrument. A reliability coefficient of 0.78 and 0.80 were obtained for the instrument using test-retest method and Cronback alpha analysis respectively. Four hypotheses were formulated and tested. Data collected by means of the instruments were analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, t-test and ANOVA statistics. The study revealed that the gender of the respondents did not influence their preconceived knowledge on scientific ideas. (t-cal=1.42, df =358, p< 0.05). The preconceptions across the three educational zones in the state did not differ significantly. (F-cal=2.76, DF= 357 and 2, p< 0.05). There was no significant difference between the responses of students from rural and urban schools on preconceived ideas about selected scientific ideas. (t-cal=1.36, df =477, p< 0.05). However, it is revealed that the private school students responded more positively to the statements than did their counterparts in public schools. (t-cal=3.28, df= 477, p< 0.05).  Based on the findings, recommendations were made, among others, that science curriculum for Nigeria be reviewed to include basic ethnographic and ethno science concepts which will facilitate the deep understanding of scientific concepts and acquisition of appropriate scientific skills. Keywords: Preconceptions, Scientific ideas, School Location and Typ

Rainfall Variations as the Determinant of Malaria in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria

This study highlights the increasing interest in identifying the parameters adequate to measure rainfall and wet day’s variations as the determinant of malaria occurrences and distribution for a period of twelve months (2012) in the Federal Capital Territory. Satellite data were developed to identify malaria risk area and to evaluate amounts of rainfall and the durations of wet or rainy days conducive to malaria outbreaks at appropriate scales. Secondly, the studies examine the correlation of monthly and annual malaria cases, and rainfall amounts, including wet days with a lag time of one year. The result of correlation analysis shows that relationship exists between the observed weather variables and malaria. The coefficients of determination R2 of rainfall influencing malaria is 0.3109 (31.1%) and wet days influencing malaria is 0.3920 (39.2%). These results indicate that the rainfall amounts positively correlate with malaria cases with prediction estimate by 78.47% and 88.68% respectively when the peak was August (rainfall) and June (malaria). The study further shows that a significant rainfall variation was identified, and further revealed that certain necessary measures have to be adequately taken to ensure that the existing malaria problems are dealt with and further occurrence is minimized, if not forestalled all together. It is recommended that more attention should be given to weather and climate mechanism that determines the occurrence and distribution of malaria. Keywords: rainfall, amount, wet day, duration, variation, determinant, malaria, occurrence, distribution, risk map

An Assessment of Alternative Water Source for Domestic Used in Minna Metropolis, Niger State, Nigeria

Making freshwater available in urban centre are major challenge to be faced in 21st century globally. Population growth and industrialisation have put a lot of pressure on water resources the world over. Minna, the capital city of Niger State Nigeria, has witnessed population growth due to the influx of people from the various regions to seek greener pastures. The population growths have resulted in an inadequate water supply to the populace by conventional means. These problems result in an individual effort to meet their daily water demand. To explore this problem, structured questionnaire were distributed to two hundred households purposively selected from six areas in the town and semi-structured interviews were administered on five water analyst. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze the data collected. The study reveals that inadequate budgetary allocation to ministry of water resources is the major problem hindering water availability in Minna. The three alternative sources of water supply for domestic use identified were well water, water from vendors and boreholes. Consequently increase in resource allocation to the ministry of water resources in a way of policy framework that guaranty private investment in water sector, among others to improve water availability in the study area. Key words: alternative, water, sources, domestics, borehole, well, vendor