INTRODUCTION
In line with Malaysian aspirations to be a fully developed and industrialized nation by 2020, much emphasis has been placed on the importance of science and the effective teaching and learning of science in schools. The creation of a scientific and progressive society that is innovative, creative, and able to contribute to future technological development is high placed on the national agenda. Under the Tenth Malaysia Plan (2011-2015), the Malaysian government continues its effort toward attaining the status of Keconomy (knowledge-based economy) advancing from P-economy (production-based economy). With the advent of information technology and a knowledgebased economy, the mastery of science and technology among school students is vital to produce knowledgeable and competent human capital with adequate capabilities and creativity to lead this nation in attaining developed nation status by 2020. Through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, technological development can be further upgraded to meet the present challenges.