Grade Six Pupils of Mainang Resettlement Elementary School

The history of science and math are interrelated. The people who shaped science are also important in mathematics. As in science, the early history of mathematics is sketchy. We know that the lunar and solar cycles were counted by the Babylonians and Egyptians in an organized fashion. Early Indian mathematicians are credited with many astronomical observations as well as the beginning of algebra. The use of decimals and numbers with 9 figures and a zero are also attributed to the Indians. Their work spread to the Arabic nations, where the term Arabic numbers (compared to Roman numerals) first emerged. The Chinese are credited with the inventions of spills and abacus, which are both counting machines. Multiplications tables were used at least from the 6th century BC. Chinese mathematics was used for the solutions of practical problems in engineering and business. Although the Chinese had advanced algebra, western scholars seemingly were ignorant of much of this work. Starting in the 6th century BC, Greek mathematicians documented many discoveries in geometry. The Greeks’ conception of numbers as the elements of all things and of the heavens made mathematical relationships a respected field of study.

The philosophy of Pythagoras, Plato and Aristotle reflected the almost “god-like” respect the Greeks gave to the interrelationship of numbers with the universe. Mathematics is a tool of science, but understanding why mathematical formulas work is a science all by itself. (http://msnucleus.org) According to W.T. Bridgman, “Mathematics is the language of Science”. This is why in the curriculum of the Elementary, problem solving was also taught in the Science subject. It involves topics like measuring the speed of a moving object, finding the acceleration, determining the mechanical advantage, etc. These topics are already introduced in the fifth grade that will prepare the pupils in solving problem in the next grade level. In the sixth grade level, problem sets in topics under Physical Science are given to pupils. Formulas were introduced and discussed for them to memorize and to use in solving problem sets. It was observed that during discussions and activities, there are still many of them who have poor basic mathematical skills. There are also those who asked to translate each problem in Tagalog. Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to determine the performance of the Grade Six Pupils of Mainang Resettlement Elementary School, Bamban, Tarlac in Problem Solving in Science. The test results in the examination of problem sets under Physical Science will be correlated to the test results of the pupils in Mathematics and English.

Specifically, this study sought to answers to answer the following questions: 1. What is the profile of the pupil respondents in terms of the following: 2.1. Second Quarter Test Result in English

2.2. Second Quarter Test Result in Mathematics?
2. Is there significant relationship between the profile and the consolidated Quizzes result of pupils in Problem Solving in Science (Third Quarter)? 3. What action programs can be proposed to help improve the pupils’ skills in problem solving in Science? 4. What implication can be drawn from the findings of the study?

Hypotheses
1. The variables in profile are significantly correlated to the performance of the respondents in problem solving in Science? 2. The performance of the respondents in problem solving in Science is significantly correlated to the variables in profile?

Significance of the Study
This study provides information of the pupil respondents of Mainang Resettlement Elementary School’s performance in Problem Solving in Science and the Test results of the Second Quarterly Examination in Mathematics and English.

The findings of the study may benefit the school administrators, teachers, parents and pupils. This study would provide other teachers with additional information regarding action programs that will help educators successfully facilitate learning among their pupils.

The administrators may find the results useful in supervising LAC Session in giving programs or activities that will enhance the skills of teachers.

This will also be an addition to the existing researchers on factors that affect the academic performance of learners and hence may be used as additional source of literature in similar future studies.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The concern of this study was primarily to determine the Second Quarterly Test Results of the Grade Six Pupils of Mainang Resettlement Elementary School, Bamban, Tarlac in English and Mathematics and the Consolidated Quizzes Results in Problem Solving in Science of the respondents.

The profiles will be correlated to the consolidated quizzes result of the respondents

At present, there are 64 pupils of Mainang Resettlement Elementary School who were the respondents of the study.

Definition of Terms

In order to provide clarification on the meanings of the terms in this study, the researcher defined these terms operationally. Operational type of definition means that the terms were based on how they were used in this study. Academic Performance – This refers to the competence of the pupils measured in terms of their average grades. Physical Science – encompasses the branches of natural science and science that study non-living systems, in contrast to the life sciences. Problem solving – consists in using generic or ad hoc methods, in an orderly manner, for finding solutions to problems. Some of the problem-solving techniques developed and used in artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, mathematics, medicine, etc. are related to mental problem-solving techniques studied in psychology. English proficiency- is the ability to speak, read and/or write in English.