Abstract:
This research work investigated the effects of laboratory exercises on science
secondary school students’ performance in chemistry, in Kaduna State, Nigeria. In most
of the literature reviewed, the final outcome favoured laboratory exercises. Quasi
experimental and descriptive survey research were employed in this study. In quasi
experimental design the researcher selected six (6) schools out of 372 science schools
across the state. Similarly, 31 schools were selected for survey research, questionnaire
was used to collect data. The six sample schools are from the central educational zone
selected through stratified sampling technique. Four research questions and two
hypotheses were formulated in conformity with the stated objectives. The reliability of
the twenty test items were obtained through pilot study, using Pearson Product
Moment Correlation Co-efficient r=0.78. While Cronbach Alpha was used to test the
reliability of the questionnaire r=0.55. The two null hypotheses were analyzed using Ttest
with α = 0.05. The researcher recommended among others that, chemistry teachers
should see laboratory exercises as a need that cannot be avoided
