Science Laboratory Operationalization and Students' Attitude Towards Science: A Study in Secondary Schools of Mbarara City, Uganda

Abstract Science laboratory work is widely promoted as a driver of learners’ engagement and positive attitudes toward science, yet evidence on how laboratory operationalization relates to students’ attitudes in Ugandan urban secondary schools remains limited. This study aimed to examine the relation between Science Laboratory Operationalization and Academic attitude towards science subjects among secondary school students in Mbarara City, Uganda. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used for the study, covering 36 secondary schools (both private and government). Quantitative data were collected from 373 students selected through stratified proportional random sampling using a structured questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured key informant interviews with 30 headteachers purposively selected for their leadership roles and experience. Quantitative data were analyzed in SPSS (v26) using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression. Qualitative interviews were analyzed thematically, and findings were integrated through triangulation. Results indicated a weak but statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.195, p < 0.001) between lab experience and science attitudes. Regression indicated that lab quality significantly predicts students’ attitude, but explains only 3.8% of the variance (R² = 0.038). Qualitative findings complemented the quantitative results by highlighting enhanced engagement and skill development during practical work alongside constraints related to time, space, resources, and teacher competencies. The study concludes that key factors influencing science choice included aspirations, capacity, background, school issues, and policies. Further, the study concludes that strengthening the operationalization of the science laboratory impacts students’ attitudes towards science and recommends investment in maintenance, training, and lab use. In the area of Future research, it should be explored in other districts, including case studies and longitudinal studies. Keywords: Hands-on activity, secondary school students, engagement, laboratory operationalization, practical skills