Class: Primary 6
Term: Third Term
subject: Basic Science & Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
Previous Lesson:
Topic: Air
Content/Learning Area: Air Pressure: Meaning of Air Pressure; Things That Fly in Air
Time Allocation: 40 Minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- cognitive Domain: Define air pressure.
- Affective Domain: Show interest in learning about air and its properties.
- Psychomotor Domain: Demonstrate the collapsible-can experiment and the inverted tumbler experiment.
- Social Domain: Collaborate with peers during experiments and discussions.
Reference Materials
- 9 Years Basic education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Spectrum Basic Science and Technology Book 6
- Evans Basic Science and Technology Book 6
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials: a can, source of heat, water, a tumbler, nylon leaf, a bowl, a balloon, and a pump.
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding air pressure is crucial for explaining various phenomena in our surroundings and the technology around us, such as how airplanes fly and how weather patterns form.
prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have a basic understanding of what air is and that it surrounds us.
Lesson Content
Air pressure
Air pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air on a surface. It is caused by the motion of air molecules and their impact on surfaces.
Meaning of Air Pressure
Air pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air on a given area. It is indeed measured in units such as Pascals (Pa) or pounds per square inch (psi).
Things That Fly in Air
Many things are designed to fly in the air,utilizing principles of aerodynamics and air pressure. Here are some examples:
- Aeroplanes – these are powered aircraft designed for sustained flight, using wings to generate lift.
- Helicopters – These aircraft use rotating blades to generate both lift and thrust, allowing them to hover and fly vertically.
- Drones – Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are remotely controlled and used for various purposes, including surveillance and photography.
- Kites – Tethered aircraft that rely on wind for lift and are often used for recreational purposes.
- Birds – Natural flyers that use their wings and feathers to generate lift and control their flight.
- Gliders – Aircraft without engines that rely on air currents and aerodynamic design to stay aloft.
- Balloons – Lighter-than-air craft that use buoyant gases like helium or hot air to float in the atmosphere.
- Parachutes – Devices used to slow the descent of an object or person by increasing air resistance.
- Rockets – Vehicles propelled by the expulsion of exhaust gases, used for space travel and other high-altitude applications.
- Missiles – guided projectiles that use aerodynamic surfaces and propulsion systems to travel through the air to a target.
teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Demonstration, Experimentation, Explanation.
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: Begins by asking pupils what they know about air and its properties.
Pupils’ Activity: Share their existing knowledge about air.
Step 2: Explaining Air Pressure
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Explains the meaning of air pressure and its importance.Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and ask questions for clarification.
Step 3: Demonstrating air Pressure
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: demonstration
Teacher’s activity: Performs the collapsible-can experiment and the inverted tumbler experiment to demonstrate air pressure.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe the experiments and note the results.
Step 4: Identifying Flying Objects
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Leads a discussion on things that fly in the air, explaining how air pressure and aerodynamics play a role.
Pupils’ Activity: Participate in the discussion, providing examples and explanations.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: guides pupils to write down key points from the lesson.Pupils’ Activity: Write down the key points in their notebooks.
Step 6: Evaluation/review
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: Asks questions to assess pupils’ understanding of the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer the questions to demonstrate their understanding.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: closure
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the main points of the lesson and assigns homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen to the summary and note the homework assignment.
Lesson Keywords
- Air Pressure – The force exerted by the weight of air on a surface.
- Aerodynamics – The study of how air moves around objects.
- Lift – The force that opposes the weight of an object,allowing it to fly.
- Gravity – The force that pulls objects towards the Earth.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Define air pressure in their own words.
- Explain how the collapsible-can experiment demonstrates air pressure.
- List five things that fly in the air and briefly describe how they fly.
Assignment/Homework
- Research and write a short paragraph on how airplanes use air pressure to fly.
- Conduct a simple experiment at home to demonstrate air pressure (with adult supervision).
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide simplified explanations and hands-on demonstrations with more guidance.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to research and present on advanced topics related to air pressure and aerodynamics.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: use visual aids, auditory explanations, and hands-on experiments to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Ensure all experiments are conducted with proper safety precautions. encourage active participation from all pupils to enhance their understanding of the concepts.

Community Join the conversation Open discussion +