Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 4
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Electronics
Curriculum Theme: Basic Electronics
Previous Lesson: Magnets and Magnetic Field: Law of Attraction and Repulsion.
Topic: MAGNETS AND MAGNETISM
Subject Matter: Application of magnetism (zip-disk, floppy disk, hard disk, etc), applications of magnetism in storage devices, applications of magnetism in appliances, identifying equipment that uses magnetism, examples of magnetic based devices.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

State at least three applications of magnetism in storage devices.
Identify various appliances and equipment that use magnetism.
Explain how magnetism is applied in some common devices.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of magnetism in modern technology.
Recognise the presence of magnetic principles in everyday devices.

Psychomotor Domain:

Draw or sketch simple diagrams of devices that use magnetism (e.g., a speaker).
Relate theoretical knowledge of magnetism to practical applications.

Collaborate with peers to identify devices that use magnetism.
Share examples of magnetic-based devices from their environment.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Basic Electronics.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Basic Electronics SSS 1.
Basic Electronics for Senior Secondary Schools by A. O. Okoro.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Pictures or samples of appliances and equipment (e.g., old floppy disk, speaker).
Charts showing diagrams of magnetic storage devices and appliances.
Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how the principles of magnetism, which they have previously learned, are applied in various technologies around them. It enables them to connect classroom knowledge to the functions of everyday devices, making the subject more relevant and practical.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are assumed to have a basic understanding of magnets, magnetic fields, and properties of magnetic materials from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Application of Magnetism

Application of Magnetism in Storage Devices

Magnetism is used to store data digitally in various devices. Data is recorded by magnetising tiny areas on a magnetic surface in specific patterns, which can then be read back.

The following are applications of magnetism in storage devices:

Hard disk drives (HDDs): Use rapidly spinning magnetic platters to store large amounts of digital data.
Floppy disks: Older removable storage media that used a thin, flexible magnetic disk.
Zip disks: A higher-capacity floppy disk alternative that also used magnetic storage.
Magnetic tapes: Used for data backup, video recording (VCR), and audio recording (cassette tapes).
Credit/Debit cards: Have a magnetic stripe on the back that stores cardholder information.

Application of Magnetism in Appliances and Equipment

Many household appliances, industrial equipment, and medical devices rely on magnetic principles for their operation.

Examples of appliances and equipment that use magnetism include:

Electric Motors: Convert electrical energy into mechanical energy using magnetic fields. Found in fans, blenders, washing machines, and electric cars.
Generators: Convert mechanical energy into electrical energy by moving conductors through magnetic fields.
Speakers: Use an electromagnet to vibrate a cone, producing sound waves.
Microphones: Convert sound waves into electrical signals using magnetic induction.
Transformers: Use magnetic fields to change voltage levels in AC circuits.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines: Medical devices that use powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues inside the body.
Doorbells: Often use an electromagnet to strike a chime.
Relays: Electrically operated switches that use an electromagnet to open or close contacts.

Identifying Equipment that Uses Magnetism

Pupils can identify equipment that uses magnetism by looking for components like coils of wire, rotating parts, or devices that produce sound or motion from electricity. Any device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy or vice-versa, or stores data magnetically, likely uses magnetism.

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 reminds them about the previous lesson on magnets and their properties. The teacher then asks questions like, “Can you mention some things that are attracted to a magnet?” and “Where do you think magnets are used in our daily lives?”.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions, recalling their previous knowledge about magnets.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge on magnets and are prepared for the new topic.

Step 2: Presentation of Topic

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Introduction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the topic, “Application of Magnetism,” and states the specific objectives for the lesson. The teacher writes the topic on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, copy the topic, and note the objectives.
Learning Point: Pupils know the topic and what they are expected to learn.

Step 3: Application of Magnetism in Storage Devices

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains how magnetism is used in various data storage devices, such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes. The teacher may show pictures or actual samples of these devices if available, explaining how data is recorded and read using magnetic principles.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the instructional materials, and ask questions for clarification. They take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how magnetism enables data storage in devices.

Step 4: Application of Magnetism in Appliances and Equipment

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains how magnetism is applied in common appliances and equipment. The teacher discusses examples like electric motors, speakers, generators, and MRI machines, highlighting the role of magnetic fields in their operation. The teacher uses diagrams or simple sketches to illustrate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the illustrations, and identify familiar appliances that use magnetism. They take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the magnetic principles behind common appliances.

Step 5: Group Activity/Discussion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Collaborative Learning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small groups and asks them to discuss and list any other devices or applications of magnetism they know or have observed in their homes or environment.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss in groups and share their findings with the class. The teacher guides the discussion.
Learning Point: Pupils actively engage in identifying more magnetic-based devices and share their knowledge.

Step 6: Summary of Key Points

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides a brief summary of the key applications of magnetism discussed, reinforcing the main points of the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and review their notes.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the lesson content.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Define magnetism in your own words.
List four applications of magnetism in data storage devices.
Mention three common household appliances that use magnetism.
Explain how magnetism is used in an electric motor.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Assignment/Wrap-up
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher gives pupils an assignment: “Research and write down two other applications of magnetism not discussed in class, with a brief explanation of how magnetism is used in each.” The teacher then thanks the pupils and dismisses the class.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the assignment and prepare for the next lesson.
Learning Point: Pupils extend their learning beyond the classroom.

Lesson Keywords

Magnetism – The physical phenomenon produced by the motion of electric charge, resulting in attractive and repulsive forces between objects.
Hard Disk – A data storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information using rapidly rotating platters coated with magnetic material.
Floppy Disk – An older type of removable magnetic storage disk.
Electric Motor – A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy through the interaction of magnetic fields.
Speaker – An electroacoustic transducer that produces sound in response to an electrical audio signal, often using an electromagnet.
MRI Machine – A medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of organs inside the body.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research advanced applications of magnetism, such as maglev trains or magnetic levitation. For pupils who require more support, the teacher can provide simpler diagrams and focus on identifying common devices, offering one-on-one guidance during the activity.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure they have adequate visual aids, such as pictures or actual samples of devices, to make the lesson engaging and practical. Encouraging pupils to share their own experiences with magnetic devices can enhance understanding. Safety precautions should be observed when handling any electronic samples.