College of Natural and Computational Sciences

URI for this communityhttps://rps.wku.edu.et/handle/987654321/2334

College of Natural and Computational Sciences

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    FACTORS AFFECTING 10TH GRADE STUDENT ACEDAMIC PREFORMANCE IN CHEMISTRY
    (Wolkite University, 2024-01-01) URGESSA OLANA TERFA
    Chemistry has been identified as a very important school subject and its importance in scientific and technological development of any nation within the context of science education. This study aims at investigating factors that influence performance of Chemistry in Fincha secondary schools in Abay Chomen District of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. The data was collected using questionnaires to both students and teachers; class observation schedule and interview to principal. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the collected data. The descriptive survey was employed to identify students attitude, assess the professional qualification of teachers; and analyze the teaching and learning methods used and learning resource needed in teaching the subject. The inferential statistics was used to support these descriptive survey of the study. The finding of the result revealed that, attitude of students towards chemistry; professional qualification of Chemistry teachers; teaching and learning methods used in teaching Chemistry subject and teaching and learning resources needed in teaching of Chemistry subject were the factors identified that hinders the students’ performance toward the subject. Moreover, the result indicate that, eventhough majority of the students were very positive toward learning Chemistry subject, their performance is far below average and they seem to score low grade in Chemistry subject. Therefore, chemistry teachers should use student centered method of teaching, the school should strive to provide adequate resources to increase students’ performance in chemistry subject in the study area and teachers should organize symposium to sensitize students on the practical applications related to the subject and carrying out continuous evaluation test were recommended.
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    TEACHER AND STUDENT PERCEPTIONS TOWARD PRACTICAL ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION IN CHEMISTRY TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SOME SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOL
    (Wolkite University, 2024-07-01) NAOL NAMOMSA DABA
    This study investigates the perceptions of teachers and students regarding the practical implementation and activities in chemistry classrooms. The study aimed to explore the factors influencing the effectiveness of chemistry education and identify strategies to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. To achieve these objectives, data were collected from three secondary school (Kolobo, Talacho and Suba) students, teachers and directors. In doing this study, quantitative and qualitative research methods and descriptive survey design were used. Stratified random and purposive sampling was used in the selection of study participants. The data were obtained through questionnaires, observation, and interviews. Based on the analyzed data, the findings of the study revealed that students, teachers and directors perceived that chemistry practical courses (experiments) are relevant to students learning. Additionally, the findings of this study also showed that despite its relevance, the practice of laboratory work is very low. Furthermore, the lack of resources (such as laboratory equipment), the lack of time to practice laboratory work, and students’ lack of engagement in laboratory activities were the major factors that affected the implementation of laboratory work. The study provides valuable insights into the importance of effective communication, hands-on experiments, and real-world applications in chemistry education. Finally, it recommends that this study can inform curriculum development and instructional practices to enhance student learning and satisfaction in chemistry classrooms. It provides educators can implement strategies to enhance the learning experience in chemistry classrooms.
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    IMPACT OF CLASS SIZE ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN CHEMISTRY AT PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF SEBETA AWAS WOREDA, OROMIA REGION
    (Wolkite University, 2024-01-01) FIKADU EJETA TUFA
    This study assessed the impact of class size on academic achievement of chemistry in secondary schools in Sebeta Awas Woreda. The study used descriptive survey research design whereby both qualitative and quantitative approaches were the basis of data collection and data analysis. A sample of three public secondary schools was selected using the simple random sampling technique. The population of the study comprised all the eight chemistry teachers, three principals, one vice principal, one supervisor and one hundred sixty-two students. Data was collected using questionnaire, interview, observation and document review and the analysis of the questions was done using descriptive statistics, frequency, percent, mean and standard deviation. The research questionnaires were validated by advisor, supervisor and two senior science teachers in secondary schools of Tefki and Awash Melka and the pilot-test method was used to ascertain its reliability with coefficients of 0.92 for the teachers’ questionnaires and 0.98 for the students’ questionnaires. The findings revealed that class size had negative impact on academic achievement in chemistry. It was also observed that class size has psychological and social impact on students’ academic achievement and negatively influence teacher’s quality of work and assessment, whereas, they are improved by small class size. It was recommended, among other suggestion, that governments should prioritize the construction of more building of additional classrooms and the employment of more teachers to provide solution to the problem of high students-teachers ratios. The students-teacher ratio should be 45:1 as suggested by National Policy on Education as against 70-112 and above as discovered from the study. As a long-term measure, the government should increase budget allocation to improve schools’ infrastructural facilities.
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    ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN HORA HARSADE WATER, BISHOFTU, EAST SHOA ZONE, OROMIA, ETHIOPIA.
    (Wolkite University, 2024-01-01) Naol Assefa
    Hora is a type of ground natural mineral water which are used as a source of mineral supplement for livestock. It has the medicinal value to protect the animals from different diseases and useful for their health growth. The aim of this study was to assess Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metal Contamination in Hora Harsade Water, Bishoftu, East Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. The Hora water samples were analyzed for physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentration using a DR/2400 UV-vis spectrophotometer, flame photometry and ICP OES by following standard methods and laboratory procedures. The experimental procedures were set according to the international drinking water standards set by American Public Health Association (APHA). The study was carried in Winter, Spring and Summer, 2024. A total of 15 physicochemical properties and 5 heavy metal concentrations were analyzed in order to understand the characteristic and quality status of the Hora natural mineral water with temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), Total solids (TS), Total Alkalinity (TA), Total hardness (TH), Dissolved solids (DO), Na, K, Ca, Mg, Chloride ion (Cl-); and heavy metals like: Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cr. The results were evaluated with national (NDWQS, 2013) and international (WHO, 2018) drinking water standard values for human and livestock. The recorded mean concentration of temperature 19.37±0.15 0C higher than 15 0C WHO, TSS (91.33±1.15 mg/L) which is above WHO (30 mg/L), Na (318.39±11.35 mg/L) is above 200 mg/L (NDWQS and WHO), and Mn (0.56±0.05 mg/L) which is above permissible limits of NDWQS (0.5 mg/L) and WHO (0.1 mg/L). All the rest listed above properties of water were observed within the recommended permissible limits of CES and WHO standards that agreed with domestic water quality level. Based on the current study result the Hora Harsadee spring water is suitable for domestic purposes after moderate treatment of temperature, TSS, Na & Mn. For more detail quality monitoring, other physicochemical, toxic metals and microbial analysis have to be done in order to have a broader picture of those spring water quantity.
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    THE EFFECT OF ACTIVE LEARNING METHOD ON GRADE TEN STUDENTS IN THE ACHIEVEMENT OF CHEMISTRY: THE CASE OF ROMAN DEGA SECONDARY SCHOOL, KEDIDA GAMELA, KAMBATTA ZONE, CENTERAL ETHIOPIA REGION, ETHIOPIA
    (WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-12) SEWUNET SAMUEL WANORE
    Active learning requires students to do meaningful learning activities and think about what they are learning. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an active learning method on Grade 10 students in the achievement of Chemistry. The research was conducted at Roman dega Secondary School, kedida Gamela, Central Ethiopia Region. For the study purpose, a quasi-experimental design was employed. By using simple random sampling technique, 72 students were selected as a sample size from a total population of 360. Also 7 chemistry teachers, 3 the school principals and 1 supervisor were included in the study .A stratified sampling technique was used to maintain the proportional allocation of students from each section. The sampled students were assigned to two groups: experimental (N (exp) = 36) and control (N(con) = 36). The experimental group received instruction with active learning methods such as group discussion, question and answer, problem solving, experimental and visual-based learning. In contrast to that, the control group was taught with the traditional lecture method from the same chapter of "Energy Change and Electrochemistry" by the same teacher. The application took seven weeks. At the beginning of the first week, a pretest was administered for both groups. A post test was given for both groups at the end of the seventh week. To ensure the validity of the tool, the test was presented to the study advisor and four experienced high school teachers. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 20. A T-test was used to test the statistical significance of the hypothesis generated in the study. The significance level of the results was tested at alpha = 0.05 significance level. Results showed that there was a significant difference between the means of experimental group pretest and post test ( p ≤ 0.05) in the achievement of chemistry. But there was no significant difference between the means of the control group pretest and post test after intervention (P > 0.05). Questionnaires were also administered before and after the intervention. The findings of the study revealed that incorporating an active learning approach in chemistry enhanced the learning achievement of 10th grade students. In light of the obtained results, the researcher recommended the utilization of an active learning method in teaching chemistry so as to enhance students’ achievement in chemistry and positive perceptions towards chemistry.
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    THE BEST PROXIMITY POINT THEOREM FOR GENERALIZED (χ,φ)- WEAK CONTRACTIONS IN BRANCIARI TYPE GENERALIZED METRIC SPACES
    (WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-06) SHEMSU WABELA HULCHAFO
    The Theorem of "Best Proximity Point for generalized (χ,φ)-weak contractions in Branciari type generalized metric spaces" is thoroughly examined in this thesis. The concept of contraction mappings is generalized by the (χ,φ)-weak contraction. By defining the situations in which a mapping has a "unique best proximity point", this thesis applies the Theorem of "Best Proximity Point" to this context. Examples are provided to illustrate the results and show how the theorem might be applied in different situations
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    BEST PROXIMITY THEOREM FOR GENERALIZED (θ,γ)-PROXIMAL CONTRACTION MAPPING IN RECTANGULAR QUASI B- METRIC SPACE
    (WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-06-10) KASAHUN BEYENE BEJIGA
    This paper explores best proximity point theorems whit in the framework of broad (θ,γ) proximal reduction “mappings in rectangular quasi b-metric spaces”. “We introduce the class of rectangular quasi b- metric” space as a broadening of rectangular metric space, “rectangular quasi” b-metric space, “rectangular b-metric” space,define broad (θ,γ)proximal reduction mappings. Establish situation under which a optimal proximity point exists and provide example to clear my results. Extend previous work on fixed point theorems and contribute to the theory of proximity points in non-standard metric spaces.
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    MICROBIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL QUALITY ANALYSIS AND MARKETING OF RAW COW MILK IN SELECTED AREA OF GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA REGION
    (WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2025-08) AYELE TADELE ATIRF
    Raw cow milk is crucial for nutrition and income in Ethiopia’s, particularly in Gurage Zone. In this zone, smallholder dairy farming plays a vital role in rural livelihoods, and consuming unpasteurized raw cow milk alongside “kocho”a stable food derived from “Enset” is a common practice. However, traditional milk handling methods, coupled with inadequate hygiene awareness and insufficient sanitation measures during milking, storage and transportation, contribute to a decline in milk quality and pose health risks. Conversely, there is no comprehensive study exists in Wolkite, Gummer and Ennor, leaving a critical knowledge gap. This study was aimed to assess milk handling practices, physicochemical properties, microbial quality analysis, identification and prevalence of pathogenic bacteria and marketing of row cow milk in selected areas of Gurage zone. For survey part, data were collected using semistructured questionnaire from a total of 338 respondents (producer and vendor) that were selected from three study sites. In addition, a total of 60 milk samples were collected for physicochemical and microbial quality analysis. Findings revealed that small-scale milking was predominantly managed by women (95.86%), with most households owning 1–3 cows. Commonly cows fed natural grass, crop residues and Enset, with milking performed twice daily (73.37%) but wolkite 100% achieving in barns (94.08%). Hygiene gaps were identified, including minimal detergent use and reliance on plastic and clay containers for milk storage. Traditional cleaning and smoking of milking utensils commonly used local plants like Weyira (Olea africana), Tid (Juniperus procera) in Gummer district highland area used Kosso (Hagenia abyssinica) significantly reduce spoilage and extend milk shelf life. Most milk is sold informally; Gummer and Ennor process it into other products, while Wolkite mainly sells raw cow milk.Physicochemical analysis indicated deviations from Ethiopian and EU standards, Vendor milk exhibited lower pH (5.40–6.50), higher acidity (0.18–0.27%) and inconsistent specific gravity (1.0123–1.031), suggesting spoilage and possible adulteration. Chemical composition analysis indicated higher total solids, protein and ash content in producers’ milk compared to vendor milk, reflecting significant quality loss. Microbial analysis revealed alarming contamination, with TPC (6.23–6.66 log cfu/ml), YMC(3.15–4.12 log cfu/ml), CC (4.95–5.77 log cfu/ml exceeding the acceptable safety limits, highlighting significant hygiene concerns. Pathogenic bacteria like E. coli, S. aureus and salmonella were detected at worrying rates, indicating poor hygiene and fecal exposure. Gummer had the best microbial quality, while Ennor and Wolkite showed the highest contamination risk, This study underscores the urgent need to enhance milk hygiene, handling practices and infrastructure to ensure safety, higher-quality milk production in the Gurage Zone.
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    SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MORINGA OLEIFERA WITH REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE NANOCOMPOSITE FOR ADSORPTIVE REMOVAL OF IRON FROM GROUND WATER
    (Wolkite University, 2023-01-30) FELEKE GUADIE
    Treatment of potable ground water in rural areas is still a serious problem in Ethiopia. This studywas conducted to investigate low-cost, environmental friendly and innovative composite adsorbent(rGO/MO) for the removal of elevated ferrous iron (Fe2+) from three randomly selected shallowwell water samples. All water samples were analyzed by different parameters like pH, temperature,electrical conductivity, turbidity, TDS, TSS, hardness, chlorides, alkalinity and Fe2+Concentration. The results of the study were ranged as pH (6.52-–7.22), Temperature (21.3–22.7 ℃), E.C (76.8–151.3 µS/cm), turbidity (15–22 NTU),TDS (79.2–121.3 mg/L), TSS (50–100mg/L), hardness(120–280 mg/L), chlorides(93–125 mg/L), alkalinity (200–550 mg/L) andFe2+(0.62–0.66 mg/L). The values of most of the parameters such as pH, conductivity, temperature,TDS, hardness, and chloride content were within the permissible limit of WHO and EEPA.However, the concentration of Fe2+ was above the maximum permissible limit set by WHO.Similarly, the values of physicochemical parameters such as turbidity, TSS, and alkalinity wereabove the acceptable range for drinking water limit set by WHO and EEPA. Thus, the resultshowed that the potable ground water collected from rural areas pose a risk to human healthunless a proper water treatment system is implemented. The investigated adsorbents (MO, rGO,and rGO/MO) were characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD and UV-Visible techniques. An adsorptionresults showed remarkable adsorption capacity (qmax) of 44.6 mg/g as obtained from theexperiment. The adsorption efficiency of rGO/MO adsorbent for elevated ferrous iron removal wasaffected by parameters like initial metal concentration, contact time, pH, and adsorbent dose. Thehighest adsorption efficiency was observed (99.2 %) at pH 9. The optimum contact time for theadsorption process was found to be at 50 minutes. The amount of Fe2+ ions adsorbed decreaseswith increasing in initial metal ion concentration. FT-IR data indicated that the adsorption ofmetal ions occurs on the surface of rGO/MO powder as the main functional groups that areresponsible for metal ions binding are involved in the process. The Langmuir isotherm data Fe2+has good fit with the experimental data (R2=0.994) than Freundlich isotherm data Fe2+(R2=0.979)
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    Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used for the treatment of human and livestock diseases in Kokir Gedebano Gutazer Welene Woreda, Gurage Zone, and Central Ethiopia
    (Wolkite University, 2025-01-30) Tariku Melis Dode
    In an ethnobotanical survey conducted designated rural and urban areas, randomly chosen sites” “were to find the most skilled practitioners who are familiar with treating human illnesses with” “traditional medicinal plants. This ethnobotanical study focuses on medicinal plants used for” “treating diseases in both humans and livestock in Kokir Gedebano Gutazer Welene Woreda,” “located in the Gurage Zone of Central Ethiopia. The study aimed to identify the diversity of” “medicinal plants and their applications in healthcare. Utilizing adescriptive research design,” “qualitative and quantitative methods were employed the study employed a combination of simple” “random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Data collection methods included field” “visits, interviews, and participant observation. From the 34 kebeles in Kokir Gedebano Woreda,” “three kebeles were selected based on their agro-climatic zones: Ambelta Kebele lowland Tilamo” “Kebele midland, and Kentwat in highland. Research design descriptive research method was” “used because descriptive method used to describe research was qualitative and quantitative” “approaches The majority of medicinal plants were found in cultivated areas, with fewer collected” “from natural environ in average the three kebele medicinal plants of cultivated land (77.43%)” “forest (22.53%). Regard to plant families, the highest species richness consisting of 6 (8.69%)” “family solanaceae, Fabaceae, Rutaceae decrease respectively and Lamiaceae 5 (5.79%) each” “families and next families Cucurbitaceae, Rosaceae and Asteraceae 4 (4.34%) each” “families.ments. Additionally market surveys, focus group discussions, and ethnobotanical data” “analysis. Preference ranking and informant consensus factors were assessed using the” “Informant to evaluate the effectiveness of the medicinal plants across various disease” “categories. The research area's medicinal plant variety was determined by collecting and” “identifying 71 species of medicinal plants from 64 genera and 40 families. The cultivated land” “was where the majority of the medicinal plants were gathered, 54 medicinal plant species” “gathered in the study area were used to cure human ailments, while 15 were used to treat cattle” “ailments, and 13 were used to treat both. Both official and informal education systems should” “incorporate tested and validated indigenous knowledge indigenous about the traditional uses of” “plants in general and therapeutic applications.” “