Related Literature and Studies

Students’ manipulative skills can be explored by understanding their technical skills and
their functional aspects of performing experiment. Technical skills in this study refer to skill,
abilities, and knowledge required for accomplishing a specific task in the laboratory. The
skills include knowledge and skills needed to properly manipulate and operate scientific
apparatus when executing a scientific task.
Manipulative skills include skills in handling materials and apparatus in the context of
scientific investigation. Students lack exposure in “hands-on” activities at primary school lead to
insufficient manipulative skills and they may carry this problem with them to secondary school.
This problem will pose a greater problem during school transition. School transition is a
challenging process for students whereby they have to adapt with social issues to fit into their new
environment.