Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3 / JS3)
Term: Third Term
Week: 1
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Technology
Previous Lesson: Machine Motion: Rotary Motion One Way E.g. Shaft of Running Car.
Topic: TRACK AND FIELD
Subject Matter: Pole Vault skills: Grip, run-up, pole carrying, take-off, hang, wing up, pull-up and bar clearance, landing, recovery

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define pole vault.
Identify the different skills involved in pole vault.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of proper technique in pole vault.
Develop an interest in track and field events.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate (simulated) the correct grip and run-up for pole vault.
Illustrate the sequence of pole vault skills.

Encourage safe practices during sports activities.
Work cooperatively during practical demonstrations.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Basic Science and Technology for Junior Secondary Schools 3 textbook

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts showing pole vault techniques.
Pictures or video clips of pole vault events.
A light stick or mock pole for demonstration (optional).

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the technical aspects of pole vault, a key track and field event. It enables them to recognize the coordination and skill required, which promotes an appreciation for sports and physical education.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of various track and field events and general sports safety rules.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Pole Vault Skills

Introduction to Pole Vault

Pole vault is an athletic event where a competitor uses a long, flexible pole to clear a high bar. It requires a combination of speed, strength, and precise technique.

Key Skills in Pole Vault

The following are the essential skills involved in pole vault:

Grip – This is how the vaulter holds the pole. The hands are placed shoulder-width apart or slightly wider, with the top hand close to the top of the pole.
Run-up – This is the approach run before the take-off. It involves building speed and rhythm to generate momentum for the vault.
Pole Carrying – This refers to how the vaulter carries the pole during the run-up. The pole is typically carried low and parallel to the ground, then gradually raised.
Take-off – This is the point where the vaulter leaves the ground. It involves planting the pole firmly into the box and driving upwards with the lead leg.
Hang – After take-off, the vaulter hangs from the pole, allowing the pole to bend and propel them upwards.
Wing Up – This involves bringing the legs up towards the pole, creating an inverted “L” shape with the body.
Pull-up and Bar Clearance – The vaulter pulls their body up along the pole, then twists and pushes off the pole to clear the bar without touching it.
Landing – This is the safe descent onto the landing mat after clearing the bar. The vaulter aims to land on their back or shoulders.
Recovery – This involves getting up safely from the landing mat and preparing for the next attempt.

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, reviews the previous lesson briefly, and then introduces the topic “Pole Vault Skills” by asking if anyone knows what pole vault is.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greetings, recall the previous lesson, and share their initial thoughts on pole vault.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and connect with prior knowledge.

Step 2: Explanation of Pole Vault

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Lecture
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines pole vault and explains its objective using charts or video clips to illustrate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the visuals, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic concept and purpose of pole vault.

Step 3: Discussion of Grip and Run-up

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the correct grip and run-up techniques for pole vault, emphasizing key points for each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, listen to the explanations, and practice a simulated grip and run-up individually.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the initial stages of pole vault technique.

Step 4: Explanation of Pole Carrying and Take-off

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates how to carry the pole during the run-up and the proper take-off technique.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay attention to the teacher’s explanation and demonstration, noting the coordination required.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to transition from the run to the take-off.

Step 5: Explanation of Hang, Wing Up, Pull-up and Bar Clearance

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visualisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the more complex phases of hang, wing up, pull-up, and bar clearance using diagrams and verbal descriptions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils visualize the movements, ask questions about the sequence, and try to mimic the body positions.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the mid-air techniques necessary for clearing the bar.

Step 6: Explanation of Landing and Recovery

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Safety Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of a safe landing and recovery process after clearing the bar.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the safety instructions and understand the final steps of a pole vault attempt.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the safe completion of a pole vault.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is pole vault?
Mention any four key skills involved in pole vault.
Describe the “grip” skill in pole vault.
Why is a safe landing important in pole vault?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of practicing proper techniques for safety and performance. The teacher then assigns homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the assigned homework.
Learning Point: The lesson is reinforced, and pupils have follow-up tasks.

Lesson Keywords

Pole Vault – An athletic event where a person uses a long pole to clear a high bar.
Grip – The way a vaulter holds the pole.
Run-up – The approach run before the take-off in pole vault.
Take-off – The action of leaving the ground while planting the pole.
Bar Clearance – The act of passing over the high bar without knocking it down.
Landing – The safe return to the mat after clearing the bar.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research famous pole vaulters and their techniques. For those needing extra support, the teacher can provide simplified diagrams and more individualized guidance during simulated practice.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Emphasize safety during all discussions and demonstrations. If actual poles are unavailable, use a broomstick or similar object for demonstrating grip and carrying. Focus on the sequence of skills rather than actual execution due to safety concerns and resource limitations in a typical classroom setting.