Class: Primary four
Term: Third Term
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
Previous Lesson: Water Cycle, Dew
Topic: Chemical Composition of Water
Content/Learning Area: Chemical composition of Water, The Water Molecule, Why is Water Notable?
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
1. Understand the chemical composition and formula of water.
2. Appreciate the importance of water in daily life and its unique composition.
3. Identify and write the chemical formula of water.
- Affective Domain:
1. Show gratitude for the importance of water.
- Psychomotor Domain:
1. Draw a simple diagram of a water molecule.
- Social Domain:
1. Participate actively in class discussions.
Reference Materials
- 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational resource Centre Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Facts
- relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
- Whiteboard or chart
- Markers or chalk
- Pictures or diagrams of water molecules
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding the chemical composition of water is fundamental to comprehending basic chemistry and the importance of water in sustaining life.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
The teacher will start by asking pupils what they know about water and its uses. A brief review of the previous lesson on the water cycle will be conducted to connect prior knowledge to the current topic. The teacher will then introduce the concept of water’s chemical composition.
Lesson Content
Chemical Composition of Water
Water, a vital substance for life, isn’t just a simple liquid; it’s a compound made of smaller parts called elements. These elements combine to form water.
What is H2O?
The chemical formula for water is H2O. This shows the elements and their amounts in each water molecule.
These include:
- H represents hydrogen, a colorless, odorless, and lightweight gas.
- O represents oxygen, a gas essential for life.
- The ‘2’ next to H means there are two hydrogen atoms for every one oxygen atom.
The Water Molecule
A water molecule is the smallest unit of water. It’s too small to see, even with a powerful microscope!
They are:
- Each water molecule has three atoms: two hydrogen and one oxygen.
- These atoms connect like a tiny triangle, with oxygen at the top and hydrogens at the bottom.
Why is Water Vital?
Water is crucial for all living things.
The following are examples of why water is important:
- drinking: We need water to stay healthy.
- Growing: Plants need water to grow.
- Cleaning: Water is used for cleaning.
- Cooling: Water helps cool things down.
- Sanitation: Water is used for flushing toilets and sewage systems.
- Agriculture: Water is used for irrigation of crops.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Question and answer, Discussion, presentation
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Asks pupils what they know about water and its uses. Briefly reviews the previous lesson on the water cycle.
Pupils’ Activity: Respond to teacher’s questions and participate in the review.
Step 2: Description of Key Concepts
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Explains the concept of elements and molecules, introduces the chemical formula of water (H2O), and explains the meaning of each symbol.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and ask clarifying questions.
Step 3: Demonstration/Guided Practice
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Shows a diagram of a water molecule and explains how the atoms are connected. Guides pupils in drawing their own diagrams.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe the demonstration and draw a diagram of a water molecule.
Step 4: Autonomous Practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Monitoring
Teacher’s Activity: Allows pupils to work independently on drawing water molecules and answering questions.
Pupils’ Activity: Draw water molecules and answer questions independently.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Note-taking
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils in taking notes on the key concepts of the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Take notes on the key concepts.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Asks evaluation questions to assess pupils’ understanding.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer evaluation questions.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Identify and write the chemical formula of water.
- Show gratitude for the importance of water.
- Draw a simple diagram of a water molecule.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the key concepts and previews the next lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen and ask any final questions.
Lesson Keywords
- Molecule – A group of atoms bonded together.
- Element – A pure substance consisting only of atoms that all have the same numbers of protons in their atomic nuclei.
- Hydrogen – A colorless, odorless, highly flammable gas, the simplest and most abundant element in the universe.
- Oxygen – A colorless, odorless reactive gas, the life-supporting component of the air.
- Chemical Formula – A set of chemical symbols showing the elements present in a compound and their relative proportions.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- What is the chemical formula for water?
- name the two elements that make up water.
- How many hydrogen atoms are in one water molecule?
- Why is water critically important for living things?
- Draw a water molecule.
Assignment/Homework
- Draw a water molecule.
- Write a short paragraph about the importance of water.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and use simpler language.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to research further into the properties of hydrogen and oxygen.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, verbal explanations, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Ensure to use visual aids and real-life examples to make the lesson engaging and understandable for primary school pupils. Encourage active participation through questions and discussions.

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