Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 4
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
Sub Theme: Concept Of Living And Non Living Things
Previous Lesson: Differences Between Plants And Animals
Topic: Classification Of Non Living Things Into Metals And Non Metals
Subject Matter: Classification of Non Living Things into Metals and Non Metals, Examples, Properties, Uses and Importance
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
(a) Explain the meaning of metals and non-metals.
(b) Identify the differences between metals and non-metals.
(c) State the properties and uses of metals and non-metals. - Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the importance of metals and non-metals in everyday life.
(b) Show interest in handling non-living materials responsibly. - Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Classify given samples into metals and non-metals.
(b) Demonstrate through observation the physical properties of metals and non-metals. - Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively in groups to classify objects.
(b) Share ideas and respect contributions of peers during discussions.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
- Online information from: Steemit – The difference between metals and non-metals
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Samples of metals (iron nail, aluminum spoon, copper wire, coin).
- Samples of non-metals (chalk, charcoal, rubber, wood, plastic).
- Charts showing classification of metals and non-metals.
- A table of properties of metals and non-metals.
- Pictures or flashcards of metallic and non-metallic objects.
Rationale for the Lesson
Metals and non-metals are widely used in everyday life, and understanding their properties helps students recognize their importance and proper use.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have seen and used different objects made of iron, aluminum, wood, rubber, and plastic in their homes and environment, and can differentiate them by their appearance and feel.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Classification of Non Living Things Into Metals and Non Metals
Meaning of Metals and Non-Metals
Metals are solid materials that are usually hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, and good conductors of heat and electricity. Non-metals, on the other hand, are materials that are generally brittle, dull, poor conductors, and often soft compared to metals.
Examples of Metals and Non-Metals
Examples of metals include:
- Iron
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Gold
- Silver
Examples of non-metals include:
- Charcoal
- Chalk
- Plastic
- Rubber
- Wood
Properties of Metals and Non-Metals
The following are properties of metals:
- They are good conductors of heat and electricity.
- They are malleable (can be beaten into sheets).
- They are ductile (can be drawn into wires).
- They have metallic luster (shiny).
- They are strong and hard.
The following are properties of non-metals:
- They are poor conductors of heat and electricity.
- They are brittle and break easily.
- They are dull and not shiny.
- They are soft and light.
- They cannot be stretched into wires or hammered into sheets.
Uses and Importance of Metals and Non-Metals
The uses of metals include:
- Iron is used for making tools, machinery, and construction.
- Aluminum is used for making cooking utensils and roofing sheets.
- Copper is used for making electrical wires.
- Gold and silver are used for making jewelry and ornaments.
The uses of non-metals include:
- Wood is used for furniture and building.
- Rubber is used for making tyres and erasers.
- Plastic is used for containers and household items.
- Chalk is used for writing on the board.
- Charcoal is used as fuel.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:
Discussion, Lecture, Explanation, Demonstration, Group Work, Question and Answer, Use of Instructional Materials
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: The teacher displays an iron nail, chalk, and plastic bottle, then asks pupils to describe their differences.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by describing what they see and feel.
Learning Point: Pupils become curious about the differences between metals and non-metals.
Step 2: Meaning of Metals and Non-Metals
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines metals and non-metals and explains their characteristics.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of metals and non-metals.
Step 3: Examples of Metals and Non-Metals
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents samples of metals and non-metals for pupils to observe.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils classify the items into metals and non-metals.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify examples of metals and non-metals.
Step 4: Properties of Metals and Non-Metals
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion and Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the physical properties of metals and non-metals using charts and examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, discuss, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the differences in properties of metals and non-metals.
Step 5: Uses and Importance of Metals and Non-Metals
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation and Group Work
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the uses of metals and non-metals, then asks groups to mention where they see them in daily life.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss in groups and share examples.
Learning Point: Pupils realize the importance of metals and non-metals in everyday life.
Step 6: Note-Taking
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher dictates or writes the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy notes into their books.
Learning Point: Pupils have accurate records of the lesson.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Question and Answer
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What are metals?
- Give three examples of metals.
- Mention two properties of non-metals.
- State two uses of metals.
- State two uses of non-metals.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer the questions.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the classification of metals and non-metals.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages pupils to observe metals and non-metals around them.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their knowledge of metals and non-metals.
Home Task: Record two correct examples of Classification Of Non Living Things Into Metals And Non Metals from the lesson or home environment and explain each in your own words.
Lesson Keywords
- Metals – hard, shiny, and strong materials that conduct heat and electricity.
- Non-metals – dull, brittle materials that are poor conductors.
- Properties – features that describe how a material behaves.
- Malleable – ability of a metal to be beaten into sheets.
- Ductile – ability of a metal to be drawn into wires.
Differentiation
Teacher will support slower learners with real-life samples, while faster learners will be asked to give additional examples and uses of metals and non-metals.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Encourage active participation by passing samples around the class. Use real objects to make the lesson practical and engaging. Ensure pupils can handle materials safely.

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