Challenges faced by chemistry teachers in conducting laboratory-based activities and their perceptions on preparing cost-effective chemicals used at lower secondary schools in Rwanda

Abstract

The present study aims at identifying the challenges faced by chemistry teachers when planning chemistry laboratory experiments, teachers' perceptions on preparing and using cost-effective chemicals in teaching chemistry and revealing the suitable laboratory procedures to opt when preparing and availing cost-effective chemicals from locally available raw materials. Questionnaires and interview guides were the tools used to collect the research data, while laboratory hands-on activities helped to prepare and avail cost-effective chemicals. These chemicals which include copper sulphate pentahydrate, ammonium chloride, iron sulphate, sodium carbonate, sodium nitrate; hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid; sodium hydroxide; and acid-base indicators are used to teach basic chemistry concepts such as decomposition reactions, separation of mixtures, acid-base titration, chemical changes. All prepared chemicals displayed the same working effectiveness as their counterpart commercial products. Thus, the prepared cost-effective chemicals can be privileged for hands-on chemistry laboratory activities.