The Impact of Limited Laboratory Access on Grade 9 Science Students

Laboratory experiments play a crucial role in science education. However, existing research indicates that science is often taught in an abstract manner while neglecting the practical aspect of laboratory work. In South Africa, a significant number of public schools face financial constraints that prevent them from conducting laboratory experiments. To investigate the impact of limited laboratory access on science students, the study employed a quantitative approach. 662 questionnaires were collected from grade 9 science students. The findings revealed that most participant had a positive perception of science and laboratory experiments. Furthermore, students with access to laboratories exhibited a greater level of enjoyment towards science compared to those without access.