Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS2, JSS 2)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 8
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Technology
Previous Lesson: Care and Maintenance of Metalwork Machines
Topic: Friction (part 1)
Subject Matter: Definition and causes of friction, Effects of friction, Advantages and disadvantages of friction
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
(a) Define friction.
(b) Identify the causes and effects of friction.
(c) Explain the advantages and disadvantages of friction. - Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the role of friction in daily life.
(b) Show interest in observing friction in practical activities. - Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Demonstrate examples of friction through simple classroom experiments.
(b) Perform activities to classify surfaces based on friction. - Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively during group activities.
(b) Share observations and results respectfully with peers.
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
- Wikipedia – Friction
- Relevant Textbooks: Basic Science and Technology for JSS 2, Longman Publishers
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Spring balance
- Wooden blocks
- Sandpaper sheets
- Smooth and rough surfaces
- Ruler and stopwatch
- Chalkboard/Whiteboard and markers
- Visual aids showing friction in daily life
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding friction helps pupils explain resistance to motion and its role in daily life and safety, forming a foundation for practical applications.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils should know that objects move and that surfaces can resist motion, based on observations from daily life.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Friction
Definition of Friction
Friction is the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another. It occurs when two surfaces come into contact.
The following are points about friction:
- It prevents objects from sliding freely.
- It acts in the opposite direction to motion.
- Friction can be useful or cause difficulties depending on the situation.
Causes of Friction
Friction occurs due to the irregularities on contacting surfaces and the nature of the materials.
These include:
- Surface roughness – rough surfaces produce more friction than smooth surfaces.
- Type of material – rubber on concrete has more friction than metal on ice.
- Weight of the object – heavier objects create more friction.
Effects of Friction
Friction affects motion, energy, and wear of materials.
The following are its effects:
- It produces heat when surfaces rub together.
- It slows down or stops moving objects.
- It causes wear and tear of surfaces.
Advantages of Friction
Friction is useful in daily life and technology.
These include:
- Enables walking without slipping.
- Helps vehicles to stop and move safely.
- Allows objects to be held or gripped securely.
Disadvantages of Friction
Friction can also cause problems in motion and machinery.
They are:
- It causes wear and tear of machines and tools.
- Leads to energy loss as heat.
- Makes movement more difficult, requiring more effort.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Explanation, Visual Aids, Group Work, Demonstration
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: Introduce the topic by asking pupils to push objects on different surfaces and note differences in motion.
Pupils’ Activity: Respond to questions and observe the demonstrations.
Learning Point: Pupils recognize the presence and effect of friction in everyday activities.
Step 2: Definition of Friction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Define friction and explain its meaning using examples from daily life.
Pupils’ Activity: Copy definition and provide examples.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what friction is.
Step 3: Causes of Friction
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Lecture/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Present the causes of friction using different materials and surfaces.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe and note examples of causes.
Learning Point: Pupils identify factors that cause friction.
Step 4: Effects, Advantages and Disadvantages of Friction
Time: 15 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visual Aid
Teacher’s Activity: Explain effects, advantages, and disadvantages of friction with practical demonstrations.
Pupils’ Activity: List and discuss examples of effects, advantages, and disadvantages.
Learning Point: Pupils understand both positive and negative roles of friction.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: Guide pupils to summarize key points in their notes.
Pupils’ Activity: Copy lesson content from board.
Learning Point: Pupils have concise notes for revision.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Define friction.
- State three causes of friction.
- List two advantages and two disadvantages of friction.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer questions orally and in written form.
Learning Point: Assess comprehension of the lesson objectives.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summary
Teacher’s Activity: Recap main points and emphasize practical importance of friction.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen and ask clarifying questions.
Learning Point: Reinforce understanding of friction in daily life.
Lesson Keywords
- Friction – resistance to motion between surfaces
- Surface roughness – irregularities on a surface
- Resistance – force opposing motion
- Wear – gradual damage due to friction
- Grip – ability to hold or prevent slipping
Differentiation
Use visual demonstrations, group work, and hands-on activities to accommodate different learning styles and abilities.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure safety during demonstrations, provide multiple surface examples, and encourage pupils to relate friction to real-life experiences.

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