Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 3
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Metal Work
Curriculum Theme: Pre-Vocational Studies
Previous Lesson: Career Opportunities in Metal Work.
Topic: Engineering Materials, Definition of Metals – Difference Between Metal and Non-Metals.
Subject Matter: Engineering materials, definition of metals, differences between metals and non-metals, examples of metals and non-metals.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define engineering materials.
Define metals.
State the characteristics of metals.
Define non-metals.
State the characteristics of non-metals.
Differentiate between metals and non-metals.
List examples of metals and non-metals.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of classifying engineering materials.
Show interest in identifying different types of materials.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify various metal and non-metal samples.
Classify given materials as either metals or non-metals.

Participate respectfully in class discussions about material properties.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Metal Work (Senior Secondary Education).
State Unified Scheme of Work for Metal Work.
Metalwork for Senior Secondary Schools by A.O. Okoro.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Various metal specimens (e.g., iron rod, copper wire, aluminium sheet).
Various non-metal samples (e.g., wood, plastic, rubber).
A comparison chart showing properties of metals and non-metals.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the basic types of materials used in engineering and daily life. Knowing the differences between metals and non-metals enables pupils to make informed choices about materials for various applications and projects.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of common materials found around them and their general uses.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Engineering Materials, Metals, and Non-Metals

Definition of Engineering Materials

Engineering materials are substances used in the design and construction of structures, machines, and products. They are selected based on their properties and suitability for specific applications.

Definition of Metals

Metals are a group of elements that are typically hard, opaque, shiny, and have good electrical and thermal conductivity. They are usually malleable and ductile.

Characteristics of Metals

The following are common characteristics of metals:

They are generally good conductors of heat and electricity.
They are typically solid at room temperature (except for mercury).
They have a metallic lustre (shiny appearance).
They are malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets).
They are ductile (can be drawn into wires).
They are dense and have high melting and boiling points.
They are sonorous (produce a ringing sound when struck).

Definition of Non-Metals

Non-metals are elements that typically lack the characteristics of metals. They are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity and are often brittle or gaseous at room temperature.

Characteristics of Non-Metals

The following are common characteristics of non-metals:

They are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity (insulators).
They can be solid, liquid, or gas at room temperature.
They do not have a metallic lustre (dull appearance).
They are non-malleable and non-ductile; solid non-metals are usually brittle.
They have low density and low melting and boiling points compared to metals.
They are non-sonorous.

Differences Between Metals and Non-Metals

The following are key differences between metals and non-metals:

Conductivity: Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity, while non-metals are poor conductors (insulators).
Appearance: Metals are generally shiny (lustrous), while non-metals are dull.
State at Room Temperature: Most metals are solid (except mercury), while non-metals can be solid, liquid, or gas.
Malleability and Ductility: Metals are malleable and ductile, while non-metals are brittle or non-malleable/non-ductile.
Sonority: Metals are sonorous, while non-metals are non-sonorous.
Density: Metals generally have high density, while non-metals have low density.

Examples of Metals

The following are common examples of metals:

Iron
Copper
Aluminium
Gold
Silver
Steel (an alloy of iron)

Examples of Non-Metals

The following are common examples of non-metals:

Wood
Plastic
Rubber
Carbon (e.g., graphite, diamond)
Oxygen
Sulphur

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to identify some common materials found in the classroom (e.g., metal parts of desks, wooden doors, plastic buckets). The teacher then introduces the topic of engineering materials, focusing on metals and non-metals.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, identify materials, and listen attentively to the teacher’s introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of materials and the lesson topic.

Step 2: Definition of Engineering Materials

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines engineering materials and explains their importance in various fields. The teacher writes the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what engineering materials are.

Step 3: Definition and Characteristics of Metals

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines metals and presents various metal samples (e.g., iron rod, copper wire). The teacher demonstrates and explains the characteristics of metals, such as lustre, malleability (by showing a bent wire), and conductivity (if possible with a simple circuit). The teacher writes key characteristics on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the samples, listen to explanations, and note down the definition and characteristics of metals.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and key properties of metals.

Step 4: Definition and Characteristics of Non-Metals

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines non-metals and presents various non-metal samples (e.g., wood, plastic, rubber). The teacher explains and demonstrates the characteristics of non-metals, contrasting them with metals. The teacher writes key characteristics on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the samples, listen to explanations, and note down the definition and characteristics of non-metals.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and key properties of non-metals.

Step 5: Differences Between Metals and Non-Metals

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Comparison/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses a comparison chart or draws a table on the board to highlight the key differences between metals and non-metals based on their characteristics (e.g., conductivity, appearance, malleability). The teacher encourages pupils to contribute differences.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the chart, participate in discussions, and note the differences in their books.
Learning Point: Pupils can distinguish between metals and non-metals based on their properties.

Step 6: Examples of Metals and Non-Metals

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Question and Answer
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to list examples of metals and non-metals they know. The teacher then provides additional common examples and writes them on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute examples and copy the lists from the board.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and name various examples of metals and non-metals.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What are engineering materials?
Define metals.
State two characteristics of metals.
Mention two differences between metals and non-metals.
List two examples of non-metals.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, reiterating the definitions and differences between metals and non-metals. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw a table to compare metals and non-metals based on five properties.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further study.

Lesson Keywords

Engineering Materials – Substances used in the design and construction of products.
Metals – Elements that are typically shiny, conductive, malleable, and ductile.
Non-Metals – Elements that lack metallic properties, often dull, brittle, and poor conductors.
Malleability – The ability of a material to be hammered or pressed into thin sheets without breaking.
Ductility – The ability of a material to be drawn into thin wires.
Conductivity – The ability of a material to transmit heat or electricity.
Lustre – The shininess of a material.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to research specific uses of different metals and non-metals in industries. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified notes and allow more time for hands-on identification of samples, offering one-on-one guidance.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure a good variety of physical samples for demonstration to make the lesson more engaging and concrete. Encourage active participation and questions from pupils. Emphasize safety when handling any materials.