Class: Primary Two
Term: First Term
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
Previous Lesson: The Sense Of Touch/Feel – Skin
Topic: The Sense of Smell
Content/Learning Area: Sense of Smell – Nose, The Olfactory Epithelium, How we Smell, Different Smells, Importance of Smell
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive domain:
1. Identify the nose as the main organ of smell.
2. Describe how the nose helps us smell things.
3. Explain the role of the olfactory epithelium and olfactory receptors.
4. Explain the importance of the sense of smell.
- Psychomotor Domain:
1. identify different smells.
- Affective Domain:
1. appreciate the importance of the sense of smell.
- Social Domain:
1. Participate actively in class discussions.
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:
- Whiteboard or chart
- Markers or chalk
- Items with distinct smells (e.g., flowers, spices, fruits)
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding the sense of smell is crucial for overall sensory progress. It helps children appreciate their surroundings and understand safety precautions related to smell.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have a basic understanding of the five senses.
Lesson Content
sense of Smell – Nose
The sense of smell is one of our five senses. It helps us enjoy food, detect danger (like smoke or gas), and recognize familiar things.
What is the Nose?
The nose is the main organ of smell. It has two holes called nostrils. Air enters through the nostrils and goes to the back of the nose, passing over the olfactory epithelium.
the Olfactory Epithelium
the olfactory epithelium is a thin layer with millions of tiny sensory cells called olfactory receptors. These receptors are sensitive to different smells and send signals to the brain.
How We Smell
When we smell something, molecules from that substance enter our nostrils and dissolve in the mucus.These molecules bind to the olfactory receptors, sending signals to the brain’s olfactory bulb, which processes smell information.
Different Smells
There are many different smells, which can be categorized based on their qualities. These include:
The following are examples of different smells:
- Pleasant smells (like flowers)
- Unpleasant smells (like rotten eggs)
- Fruity smells (like oranges)
- Spicy smells (like ginger)
- Earthy smells (like soil)
Importance of Smell
The sense of smell plays a vital role in various aspects of our lives. These include:
Food
Smell helps us enjoy food. When we eat, molecules from the food travel to our nose, stimulating our olfactory receptors. This is why food tastes different when we have a cold.
Safety
Smell helps us detect danger, like smoke from a fire or gas leaks.
Social Interaction
Smell helps us recognize familiar people and places, like a mother’s perfume or a favorite bakery.
Memory
Smells can trigger memories and emotions, connecting us to past experiences.
Environmental Awareness
Smell helps us appreciate and understand our environment, from the scent of rain to the fragrance of a garden.
Teaching methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Question and answer, Exhibition, 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: Ask pupils what they can smell.Pupils’ Activity: identify smells in the classroom.
Step 2: Explanation of Key Concepts
Time: 15 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Explain the sense of smell, the nose’s role, and the olfactory epithelium.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and ask questions.
Step 3: Presentation/Guided Practice
Time: 10 minutes
teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: show different items with distinct smells and guide pupils to identify them.
Pupils’ Activity: Identify and describe the smells.
Step 4: Independent Practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Observation
Teacher’s Activity: Allow pupils to smell different items independently.
Pupils’ Activity: Identify and describe the smells independently.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Note-taking
Teacher’s Activity: Guide pupils to take notes on key concepts.
Pupils’ Activity: Take notes on key concepts.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Ask review questions.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer review questions.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Identify the nose as the main organ of smell.
- Describe how the nose helps us smell things.
- Explain the role of the olfactory epithelium and olfactory receptors.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: Summarize the key concepts of the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen to the summary and ask any remaining questions.
Lesson Keywords
- Nose – the main organ for smelling.
- Smell – The ability to detect odors.
- Olfactory Epithelium – A layer in the nose with sensory cells.
- Olfactory Receptors – Sensory cells that detect smells.
- Molecules – Tiny particles that carry smells.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- What part of our body helps us smell things?
- How does the nose help us smell things?
- Why is the sense of smell notable?
- Can you name a few things that you can smell?
- What are some ways that our sense of smell helps us stay safe?
Assignment/Homework
- List five things you can smell at home.
- Describe your favorite smell and why you like it.
- Explain how the sense of smell helps keep you safe.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and use simple language to explain concepts.
- For advanced learners: Provide extension activities, such as creating a smell chart or researching different types of smells.
- For visual learners: Use diagrams and visual aids to illustrate the parts of the nose and how we smell.
- For auditory learners: Use verbal explanations and encourage class discussions.
- For kinesthetic learners: Allow pupils to handle and smell different items to engage their sense of touch and smell.
Note for Teachers
Ensure to bring a variety of items with distinct smells to make the lesson engaging. Encourage pupils to describe the smells using descriptive words.

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