SCIENCE CONTENT/MATERIALS UNDER AUSTERE FINANCIAL CONDITIONS: IMPROVISATION OF MATERIALS AND COST REDUCTION by I. T. ESHIET and N.E. U. INYANG

ABSTRACT
One of the most often cited problems of science teaching in schools has been the lack of adequate science teaching materials. This arises as a result of inability of schools to meet the cost of these materials. Recently many science educators have suggested the use of substitute materials for science teaching so that the cost of running school science programmes could be reduced. This paper summarizes a number of suggestions which have been made for the improvisation of materials for science teaching.
The literature cited includes suggested items which could be collected from the environment or constructed using locally available materials. In addition this paper describes the construction and use of some of such materials. A school or -teacher wishing to adopt the materials could arrange for a mass production in consultation with the local artisans. This could help to reduce the amount of items to be imported and hence the cost of science teaching.