A REVIEW OF THE BASIC SCIENCE CURRICULUM: IMPERATIVE FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The Basic Science curriculum content was conceived out of society's present needs and aspirations. One of the objectives of basic science education is to ensure the acquisition of appropriate literacy, numeracy, manipulation, communication, and life skills, as well as the ethical, moral, and civic values needed to lay a solid foundation for lifelong learning. This review examines the potential of the basic science curriculum as a catalyst for laying a solid foundation for the development of science and technology in our schools and society at large. The paper identifies inadequate funding, inconsistencies in government policies, and curricular issues, among others, as impediments to our march toward scientific and technological development. The study recommends the provision of well-equipped science laboratories for all basic and middle school levels to catch students young and foster early interest in science and technology.