Class: Primary 6
Term: Third Term
Subject: Basic Science & Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Technology
previous Lesson: Classes and examples of Simple Machines
Topic: Classification of Lever
Content/Learning Area: First Class Levers and Related Materials
Time Allocation: 40 Minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Define a first-class lever.
- Affective Domain: Show interest in learning about simple machines.
- Psychomotor Domain: Identify examples of first-class levers.
- Social Domain: Participate actively in class discussions.
Reference Materials
- 9 years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Center Scheme of work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Basic Science and Technology Textbook for Primary 6
- Evans Basic Science and Technology for Primary Schools, Book 6
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials: real-life examples of first-class levers (scissors, pliers, see-saw), charts illustrating different classes of levers, and textbooks.
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding levers helps pupils appreciate simple machines’ role in making work easier and fosters interest in technology.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have a basic understanding of simple machines and their uses.
Lesson Content
First Class Levers
A first-class lever is a type of lever where the fulcrum is located between the load and the effort.
Characteristics of First Class Levers
In first-class levers, the fulcrum is positioned between the effort and the load. This arrangement allows for a change in the direction of the force applied.
Examples of First Class Levers
Here are some examples of first-class levers:
- Scissors – The fulcrum is the pivot point where the two blades are joined, the effort is applied by the hand, and the load is the material being cut.
- Pliers – The fulcrum is the joint, the effort is applied by the hand, and the load is the object being gripped or cut.
- See-saw – The fulcrum is the central pivot point,the effort is the weight of the person on one end,and the load is the weight of the person on the othre end.
- Crowbar – The fulcrum is the point where the crowbar rests, the effort is applied by the hand, and the load is the object being lifted or moved.
- Hammer (when removing a nail) – The fulcrum is the head of the hammer, the effort is applied by the hand, and the load is the nail being removed.
- Weighing Balance – The fulcrum is the central pivot, the effort is the weight placed on one side, and the load is the object being weighed on the other side.
- Oars in a Rowboat – the fulcrum is the point where the oar is secured to the boat, the effort is applied by the rower, and the load is the water being pushed.
- A pair of Tongs – The fulcrum is the joint, the effort is applied by the hand, and the load is the object being gripped.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Explanation, Presentation, Visual Aids, Question and Answer.
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 revises the previous lesson on simple machines and introduces the concept of levers, asking pupils what they know about levers.
Pupils’ activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and share their prior knowledge about levers.
Step 2: Defining First Class Levers
Time: 10 Minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a first-class lever is, emphasizing the position of the fulcrum between the load and the effort.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions for clarification.
Step 3: Demonstrating Examples
time: 10 Minutes
teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates examples of first-class levers using real objects like scissors and pliers, explaining how they work.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and identify the fulcrum, load, and effort in each example.
Step 4: Class Discussion
Time: 5 Minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a class discussion, asking pupils to provide other examples of first-class levers they know.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion,sharing examples and explaining their reasoning.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 5 Minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes a summary of the lesson on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes into their notebooks.
Step 6: Evaluation/review
Time: 3 Minutes
Teaching Skill: Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks questions to assess pupils’ understanding of the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer the questions to demonstrate their understanding.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Define a first-class lever.
- Identify examples of first-class levers.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 Minutes
Teaching Skill: Closure
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson and assigns homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note the homework assignment.
Lesson Keywords
- Lever – A simple machine that multiplies force.
- Fulcrum – The pivot point of a lever.
- Load – The object being moved or lifted by a lever.
- Effort – The force applied to a lever.
- First Class Lever – A lever with the fulcrum between the load and effort.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Define a first-class lever.
- Give three examples of first-class levers.
- Explain the position of the fulcrum in a first-class lever.
Assignment/Homework
- Draw and label three examples of first-class levers.
- Explain how a see-saw works as a first-class lever.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide simplified diagrams and one-on-one assistance during demonstrations.
- For advanced learners: Challenge them to research and present on other types of levers and their applications.
- 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 real-life examples to make the lesson more engaging and relatable for the pupils. Encourage active participation and provide constructive feedback.

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