Development and Standardization of a Substitute Triangular Prism for Creative Physics and Basic Science Instructions

Abstract

The Nigerian National Policy on Education requires that education given to students should inculcate sound scientific knowledge for reflective thinking. However, our science classroom instructions generally and physics in particular, today, learners are not giving the desired experiences due to lack of instructional materials. To change the status quo, this study developed  a substitute triangular prism using plastic materials and water. The study employed one shot experimental group design to test the functionality as well as standardize the material. thirty students were made to locate the image of the rays through the improvised triangular prism and find the refractive index (RI) of the material. The RIs obtained by the students were compared with that of water using the one sample t-test. The results revealed no significant difference in the students observed RIs and that of water (1.33). This confirms the functionality of the improvised materials and their Ability to instill the desired skills in learners. It is recommended that teachers should not limit their improvisation to the classroom only, but should seek for avenues to standardizing the materials and making them available for others to use.

Keywords: Development, Standardization, triangular prism, refractive index

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-15-10

Publication date:May 31^st 2022