Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Metal Work
Curriculum Theme: Pre-Vocational Studies
Previous Lesson: Uses of Metals in Construction and Fabrication.
Topic: Non-Ferrous Metals and Alloys: Aluminium, Zinc, Copper, Lead, Tin
Subject Matter: Non-ferrous metals (Aluminium, Zinc, Copper, Lead, Tin), identification of metal specimens, classification of metals (ferrous, non-ferrous, alloys), definition of alloys, examples of bronze and brass alloys.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define non-ferrous metals.
List examples of non-ferrous metals and state one use for each.
Define an alloy.
Identify examples of common alloys like bronze and brass and state their components.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of classifying metals for various applications.
Show interest in identifying and differentiating various metal specimens.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify metal specimens as non-ferrous or alloys.
Classify various metal samples into ferrous, non-ferrous, and alloys.

Collaborate with peers in identifying and grouping metal samples.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Basic Technology (JSS) and Metal Work (SSS)
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary School Metal Work
Egbe, E.N. (2018). Metal Work for Senior Secondary Schools. University Press PLC.
https://www.education.gov.ng/
https://nigeriancurriculum.com/

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Various metal specimens (e.g., aluminium sheet, copper wire, zinc plate, lead pipe, tin can, brass rod, bronze statue piece, iron rod).
Labels and cards for classification.
A grouping chart or board for classification.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the different types of metals used in everyday life and in industries. Knowing how to identify and classify metals enables them to make informed choices about materials for various applications, from construction to household items.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are assumed to have basic knowledge of metals and their general properties from their Junior Secondary School Basic Technology lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Non-Ferrous Metals and Alloys

Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain iron in significant amounts. They are generally more expensive than ferrous metals and are often used for their specific properties such as light weight, high conductivity, non-magnetic properties, or resistance to corrosion.

The following are common non-ferrous metals and their uses:

Aluminium: A lightweight, silvery-white metal known for its excellent corrosion resistance and high thermal and electrical conductivity. It is used in aircraft construction, window frames, cooking utensils, and electrical cables.
Zinc: A bluish-white, brittle metal at room temperature. It is primarily used for galvanising steel (coating steel to prevent rust) and in making alloys like brass.
Copper: A reddish-brown, highly ductile, and malleable metal with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. It is widely used in electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, and heat exchangers.
Lead: A soft, heavy, and highly malleable bluish-grey metal. It is known for its high density and resistance to corrosion. Uses include car batteries, radiation shielding, and some plumbing applications (historically).
Tin: A silvery-white, soft, and malleable metal. It is mainly used as a protective coating for other metals (e.g., tin cans) to prevent corrosion, and in alloys like solder and bronze.

Alloys

An alloy is a metallic substance composed of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal. Alloys are created to enhance the properties of pure metals, such as increasing strength, hardness, or corrosion resistance.

The following are examples of common alloys:

Bronze: An alloy primarily composed of copper, usually with tin as the main additive. It is harder and more durable than pure copper and is used for sculptures, musical instruments, and marine fittings.
Brass: An alloy made primarily of copper and zinc. It is known for its workability, acoustic properties, and attractive appearance. Uses include decorative items, musical instruments, plumbing fittings, and electrical connectors.

Classification of Metals

Metals can be broadly classified into three main categories based on their composition:

Ferrous Metals: These metals contain iron as their main component and are typically magnetic. Examples include mild steel, cast iron, and wrought iron.
Non-Ferrous Metals: These metals do not contain iron in significant amounts. Examples include aluminium, copper, zinc, lead, and tin.
Alloys: These are mixtures of two or more elements, with at least one being a metal, designed to achieve improved properties. Examples include steel (an alloy of iron and carbon), brass, and bronze.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and reviews the previous lesson on types of metals. The teacher then shows various metal samples (some ferrous, some non-ferrous, some alloys) and asks pupils to identify them or state their uses. The teacher introduces the topic by explaining that today’s lesson will focus on non-ferrous metals and alloys.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, recall previous knowledge, observe the metal samples, and attempt to identify them and their uses.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge and are introduced to the lesson’s topic.

Step 2: Presentation of Non-Ferrous Metals

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines non-ferrous metals and explains their general characteristics (no iron, light, corrosion-resistant, good conductors). The teacher then presents specimens of aluminium, zinc, copper, lead, and tin, explaining that these are non-ferrous metals.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the metal specimens, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and general characteristics of non-ferrous metals.

Step 3: Discussion of Specific Non-Ferrous Metals

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses each non-ferrous metal (Aluminium, Zinc, Copper, Lead, Tin) in detail, highlighting their unique properties and common uses, as outlined in the board summary. The teacher encourages pupils to ask questions and share any knowledge they have about these metals.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, ask questions, and note down the properties and uses of each metal.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the specific properties and applications of various non-ferrous metals.

Step 4: Introduction to Alloys

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines an alloy as a mixture of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal. The teacher explains that alloys are made to improve the properties of pure metals. The teacher shows examples of alloys like brass and bronze.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the definition, observe the alloy specimens, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what alloys are and why they are created.

Step 5: Discussion of Specific Alloys

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses common alloys such as bronze and brass, stating their main components (e.g., copper and tin for bronze; copper and zinc for brass) and their uses. The teacher may ask pupils to identify objects made from these alloys.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, identify objects, and take notes on the components and uses of bronze and brass.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the composition and uses of specific alloys.

Step 6: Classification Activity

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Demonstration/Group Work
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes various metal specimens (ferrous, non-ferrous, and alloys) to groups of pupils. Using labels and a grouping chart, the teacher guides pupils to identify and classify the specimens into their correct categories (ferrous, non-ferrous, or alloy).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in groups to identify and classify the metal specimens, placing them under the correct labels on the grouping chart.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their knowledge to practically classify different metal samples.

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 non-ferrous metals.
Mention three examples of non-ferrous metals and one use for each.
What is an alloy?
State two examples of alloys and their main components.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarisation/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of non-ferrous metals and alloys in everyday applications. The teacher assigns homework: “Research other common non-ferrous metals or alloys not discussed in class and their uses.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: The lesson is concluded, and pupils are given an opportunity for further research.

Lesson Keywords

Non-ferrous metals – Metals that do not contain iron as a primary component.
Alloy – A mixture of two or more elements, with at least one being a metal.
Aluminium – A lightweight, corrosion-resistant non-ferrous metal.
Zinc – A non-ferrous metal used for galvanising steel.
Copper – A highly conductive non-ferrous metal used in electrical wiring.
Lead – A heavy, soft non-ferrous metal used in batteries and shielding.
Tin – A soft non-ferrous metal used as a coating and in solders.
Bronze – An alloy of copper and tin.
Brass – An alloy of copper and zinc.
Ferrous metals – Metals that contain iron as their main component.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to research the properties of specific non-ferrous metals in more detail or to identify more complex alloys. For pupils who require additional support, the teacher can provide simplified descriptions, additional labelled diagrams, or assign them to work with stronger peers during the classification activity.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure all metal specimens are safe to handle and clearly labelled. Encourage hands-on interaction with the materials to enhance learning. Emphasise the practical applications of these metals in local industries and everyday items to make the lesson more relatable to pupils’ experiences.