The impact of increasing climate variability on crop yield is now evident. Predicting the potential effects of climate change on crops prompts the use of statistical models to measure how the crop responds to climate variables. This chapter examines the usage of regression analysis in predicting crop yield under a changing climate. Data quality control is explained and application of descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and contingency tables discussed. Methodological aspects of crop yield modeling and prediction using climate variables are described. Estimation of yield via a multilinear regression approach is outlined and an overview of statistical model verification introduced. The study recommends the usage of regression models in estimating crop yield in consideration of many other externalities that can contribute to yield change.
Day schools do not offer boarding facilities, so students report to school in the morning, have their lessons the whole day, and go back home in the evening. In Kenya, Day school students hardly qualify for University admission, partly because of lack of science learning facilities. This research investigated whether contextualized Science learning at a local jua kali workshop could improve students interest and understanding in STEM related concepts and hence contribute to their transition to University. The investigation employed a case study approach where Form three (Grade 11) students from a Day secondary school experienced a 9-week contextualized science learning that involved a full day interaction with Jua Kali1 artisans. The interaction involved students moving in groups at the workshop, observing the processes and discussing relevant scientific concepts with the artisans. Later in school, the groups were tasked with discussing and sharing their best learnt science concepts with the entire class through presentations. The following year, the same students sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination, a National examination done countrywide at the end of secondary school cycle, and the one that determines student's transition to University. In Kenyan Education System, a student with grade C+ and above qualifies for University admission, according to Joint Admission Board (JAB), the body that determines University entrance grades. Based on minimum grade of C+, the school performance improved significantly from 47.48% to 68.4% (X 2 =7.110'P=0. 008.From this research, Jua kali workshops could act as a sustainable science learning laboratory for disadvantaged schools with the artisans teaching in collaboration with regular teachers. Thus Contextualized learning using student's local environment could help improve Day school students transition to University.
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