Class: Primary Three
Term: First Term
Subject: Basic science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
Previous Lesson: Measurement of Length
Topic: Measurement of time
Content/Learning Area: What is Time?, Modern Methods, Traditional methods
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
1. Define time and its importance.
2.Identify and explain modern methods of measuring time.
3. Understand and list traditional methods of measuring time.
- affective Domain:
1. Appreciate the importance of punctuality.
2.Show interest in learning about different methods of timekeeping.
- Psychomotor Domain:
1.Use a stopwatch to measure short intervals of time (if applicable).
- Social Domain:
1. Work collaboratively in group activities (if applicable).
Reference Materials
- 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Center Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Information
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
- Wall clock
- wristwatch
- Pictures of sundials, water clocks, hourglasses, and candle clocks
- Whiteboard or chart paper
- Markers
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding the measurement of time is crucial for daily life association and scheduling. This lesson provides a foundation for future learning in mathematics and other subjects, fostering time management skills.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are familiar wiht the concept of time.
Lesson Content
what is time?
Time is how we measure when things happen. It helps us understand the order of events in our lives, from waking up to going to school.
Modern Methods
Modern methods of measuring time are the tools and technologies we use today to keep track of time. These include:
The following are examples of modern methods of measuring time:
- Wall Clocks: These clocks hang on walls and have hands showing hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds.
- Wristwatches: These are smaller clocks worn on the wrist for easy time-checking.
- Stopwatches: Used to measure short time periods, often in sports.
- Digital Clocks: These clocks show time using numbers on a screen, found on phones and computers.
- Alarm Clocks: These clocks wake us up at a set time.
- Mobile Phone Clocks: Integrated into smartphones, providing time, alarms, and timers.
- Computer Clocks: Found in computers and laptops, synchronizing with internet time servers for accuracy.
Traditional Methods
Traditional methods of measuring time are the ancient techniques people used before modern technology. These include:
Examples are:
- sundial: Uses the sun’s shadow to tell time.
- Water Clock: Measures time by the flow of water.
- hourglass: Measures time by the flow of sand.
- Candle Clock: Uses a marked candle to track time.
- Observing the Stars: Ancient people used stars to tell time.
- Incense Clock: Burns incense sticks marked with time intervals.
- Shadow Stick: A simple stick placed in the ground to track time by the movement of its shadow.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Question and answer, use of visual aids
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: Asks pupils about their daily routines and how they know what time it is.
pupils’ Activity: Respond to the teacher’s questions, sharing their experiences.
Step 2: Description of Key concepts
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining
Teacher’s Activity: Explains the concept of time and its importance.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and ask clarifying questions.
Step 3: Demonstration/Guided practice
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstrating
Teacher’s Activity: Shows pictures and explains modern and traditional methods of measuring time.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe and participate in discussions.
Step 4: Self-Reliant Practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Monitoring
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils in identifying different time-measuring tools in their surroundings.
Pupils’ Activity: Identify and discuss different time-measuring tools.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Note-taking
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils in taking notes on key concepts.Pupils’ Activity: Take notes on key concepts.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Asks evaluation questions.
pupils’ Activity: Answer evaluation questions.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Define time and its importance.
- Identify and explain modern methods of measuring time.
- Show interest in learning about different methods of timekeeping.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the key concepts and assigns homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen to the summary and note the homework.
Lesson Keywords
- Time – A way to measure when things happen.
- Modern Methods – Current ways of measuring time using technology.
- Traditional Methods – Old ways of measuring time without modern tools.
- Sundial – An early device that uses the sun to tell time.
- Hourglass – A device that uses sand to measure time.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- What is time?
- Name two traditional ways to tell time.
- Name two modern ways to tell time.
- Why is knowing how to tell time critically important?
- When do you need to know the time?
Assignment/Homework
- Draw your favorite time-telling device.
- List three activities you do at specific times each day.
- Ask your parents about other traditional methods of telling time.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and use simpler language.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to research additional methods of timekeeping.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids,verbal explanations,and hands-on activities.
Note for Teachers
Ensure to use real-life examples and relatable scenarios to explain the concept of time. Encourage pupils to share their experiences and observations to make the lesson more engaging.

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