Category: Vol.2/No.1/2014

¹Robert Vandelun Tsebo,

²M.S. Kurumeh,  Ph.D

¹Mathematics Department

College of Education, Katsina-Ala.

²Department of Curriculum & Teaching,

Benue State University, Makurdi.

Abstract
This study assessed the differences in mathematics achievement in developmental approach. One hundred and sixty five students were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups in four selected mixed secondary schools. The experimental groups were exposed to developmental learning approach, while control group were taught using conventional strategy. A quasi experimental design was adopted for the study. Data collected was analysed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions while analysis of covariance was used to test research hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that there was significant difference between the mean achievement scores of male and female in favour of male. Based on the findings, it was recommended that teaching methods that are learner friendly, activity packed and practical innovative, authors of mathematics textbooks should include group activities in their exercises that practically utilized developmental approach.

Aaron Tsambelumun Alaanyi

Department of Integrated Science

College of Education, Katsina-Ala.

Email Address: [email protected]

Abstract

Levels of heavy metals in soil profiles of automobile repair shops waste dumps in Gboko were studied. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0-15cm (D1), 15-30cm (D2), and 30-60cm (D3) and analysed for Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd, Cu, Pd and Fe using UNICAM 969 atomic absorption spectrometer. Cd, and Pb were not detected in the soil samples. The concentrations of the other five metals were significantly high and represented elevated concentrations above background levels found in the control site. Average top soil metal concentrations (D1) for the study area were 13.7±2.5 mg/kg, 101.6±4.6 mg/kg, 10.3±5.3 mg/kg, 35.5±4.7mg/kg, and 6046±387.7 mg/kg for Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu and Fe respectively. The concentration of Ni was above international limits for residential and agricultural use. The general dispersion of most of the metals in the profile was D2 >D1 >D3. Average levels of accumulation of the metals within the soil profile were 6.87, 8.30, 2.13, 3.26 and 1.30 for Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu, and Fe respectively. This indicates that the pollution of soil in the study area ranges from slight to very severe.  The automobile repair shops represent potential sources of heavy metal pollution to the environment.