Class: Primary One
Term: Second Term
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Technology
Previous Lesson: The Safe Use of Simple Machines At Home and In School
Topic: Simple Machines – Mortar and Pestle
Content/Learning Area: Identifying a mortar and pestle, Listing uses of mortars and pestles
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
1. Identify a mortar and pestle.
2.List at least two uses of mortars and pestles.
3. Describe the difference between a mortar and a pestle.
- affective Domain:
1. Show interest in learning about simple machines.
2. Appreciate the usefulness of simple machines in daily life.
- Psychomotor Domain:
1. Demonstrate the proper use of a mortar and pestle (if materials are available).
- Social Domain:
1. Participate actively in class discussions.2. Work cooperatively with peers (if group activities are included).
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:
- Pictures of mortars and pestles
- A real mortar and pestle (optional)
- Whiteboard or chart paper
- Markers
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding simple machines like the mortar and pestle helps pupils appreciate basic technology and its role in daily life. This knowledge builds a foundation for future learning in science and technology.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are familiar with tools used at home for food preparation.
Lesson Content
What is a Mortar and Pestle?
A mortar and pestle are simple machines used for grinding and crushing materials. The mortar is a bowl-shaped container, and the pestle is a tool used to pound or grind things inside the mortar.
Uses of mortar and Pestle
Mortars and pestles are used for various purposes. These include:
- Grinding spices into powders.
- Crushing herbs to release their flavors.
- Making pastes and sauces (like garlic paste).
- grinding nuts and seeds.
- Preparing customary medicines by crushing herbs and roots.
- Pulverizing grains for cooking or baking.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Description,Exhibition (if possible),Question and Answer,and Discussion.
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: Introduce the topic of simple machines and show pictures of mortars and pestles.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe the pictures and listen attentively.
Step 2: Explanation of Key Concepts
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: explanation, Definition
Teacher’s Activity: Explain what a mortar and pestle are and their individual functions.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and ask clarifying questions.
Step 3: Exhibition/Guided Practise
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration, Guided Practice
teacher’s Activity: Demonstrate the use of a mortar and pestle (if available). Guide pupils in identifying the parts.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe the demonstration and participate in identifying the parts.
Step 4: autonomous Practice
Time: 5 minutes
teaching Skill: Questioning, Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Ask pupils to list uses of mortars and pestles.
Pupils’ Activity: List uses of mortars and pestles.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Note-Taking
Teacher’s Activity: Guide pupils in writing down key points about mortars and pestles.
Pupils’ Activity: Write down key points in their notebooks.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning, Review
Teacher’s Activity: Ask review questions to assess understanding.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer review questions.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Identify a mortar and pestle.
- List at least two uses of mortars and pestles.
- Describe the difference between a mortar and a pestle.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: Summarize the key points about mortars and pestles and answer any remaining questions from the pupils. Praise the pupils for their active participation.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen to the summary and ask any remaining questions.
Lesson Keywords
- Mortar – A bowl-shaped container used for grinding substances.
- Pestle – A tool used to pound or grind substances in a mortar.
- Grinding – Reducing a substance to smaller particles by crushing.
- crushing – Applying pressure to break or compress a substance.
- Simple Machine – A basic mechanical device that makes work easier.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- What are two uses of a mortar and pestle?
- Name some foods that can be ground using a mortar and pestle.
- What is the difference between a mortar and a pestle?
- Can you name another simple machine?
Assignment/Homework
- Ask your parents or guardians to show you other tools they use in the kitchen and explain their uses.
- Draw a picture of a mortar and pestle and label its parts.
- List three things you can grind using a mortar and pestle at home.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and use simpler language.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to research other simple machines and their uses.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids,demonstrations,and hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Ensure to bring a real mortar and pestle if available to make the lesson more engaging. Encourage pupils to share their experiences with using similar tools at home.

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