Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 4
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Metal Work
Curriculum Theme: Pre-Vocational Studies
Previous Lesson: Engineering Materials and Metals.
Topic: Types of Metals
Subject Matter: Classification of metals, ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, and alloys.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define metal.
Classify metals into ferrous and non-ferrous.
Explain how alloys are formed.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of different types of metals in everyday applications.
Show interest in identifying various metal samples.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify samples of ferrous metals.
Identify samples of non-ferrous metals.
Identify samples of alloys.

Collaborate effectively in groups to classify metal samples.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Basic Technology (JSS 1-3).
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
Metal Work Technology for Senior Secondary Schools by A.O. Olaitan.
Basic Technology for Senior Secondary Schools by E.O. Akintunde.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Samples of steel, copper, aluminium, brass, bronze.
Charts showing classification of metals.
Pictures of various metal objects.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the basic types of metals and their properties. Knowing the differences between ferrous, non-ferrous metals, and alloys is important for selecting the right material for various applications in daily life and industrial processes.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of materials and their uses from previous lessons in Basic Technology.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Types of Metals

Definition of Metal

Metals are materials that are typically hard, opaque, shiny, and have good electrical and thermal conductivity. Most metals are malleable and ductile.

Classification of Metals

Metals are generally classified into two main groups based on the presence or absence of iron:

Ferrous Metals
Non-Ferrous Metals

Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals are metals that contain iron as their main component. They are typically magnetic and are prone to rust (corrosion) when exposed to moisture.

Common examples of ferrous metals include:

Pig iron
Steel
Wrought iron
Cast iron

Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain iron as their main component. They are not magnetic and are generally more resistant to corrosion than ferrous metals.

Common examples of non-ferrous metals include:

Aluminium
Copper
Lead
Tin
Zinc

Alloys

Alloys are mixtures of two or more metals, or a metal combined with one or more other elements. They are formed by melting the constituent elements together and then allowing them to cool and solidify.

Alloys are formed to improve the properties of pure metals, such as increasing strength, hardness, or corrosion resistance.

Common examples of alloys include:

Brass (copper and zinc)
Bronze (copper and tin)
Stainless steel (iron, chromium, nickel)
Duralumin (aluminium, copper, magnesium, manganese)

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 and reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then asks pupils to mention some objects made of metal they see around them (e.g., car, spoon, gate) and asks what these objects have in common. This leads to the topic of metals.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and identify common metal objects.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of metals and their prevalence.

Step 2: Definition and Classification of Metals

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines what metals are and introduces the two main classifications: ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The teacher writes the definition and classification on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, define metals, and note down the classifications.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and primary classification of metals.

Step 3: Ferrous Metals

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains ferrous metals, stating that they contain iron and are typically magnetic. The teacher provides examples such as pig iron, steel, wrought iron, and cast iron, showing samples or pictures where possible.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the samples, and note down the characteristics and examples of ferrous metals.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about ferrous metals and their types.

Step 4: Non-Ferrous Metals

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains non-ferrous metals, stating that they do not contain iron and are generally non-magnetic and corrosion-resistant. The teacher provides examples such as aluminium and copper, showing samples or pictures.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the samples, and note down the characteristics and examples of non-ferrous metals.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about non-ferrous metals and their types.

Step 5: Alloys

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines alloys as mixtures of metals or metals with other elements. The teacher explains the process of alloy formation (melting and mixing) and provides examples like brass and bronze, showing samples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe, and understand the concept of alloys and how they are formed.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what alloys are and their formation process.

Step 6: Practical Identification

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small groups and distributes various metal samples (steel, copper, aluminium, brass, bronze). The teacher instructs them to classify each sample as ferrous, non-ferrous, or an alloy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in groups to identify and classify the given metal samples.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their knowledge to practically identify different types of metals.

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 metal.
Classify metals into their two main groups.
Mention two examples of ferrous metals.
State two examples of non-ferrous metals.
Explain how an alloy is formed.

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 key points of the lesson, reiterating the definition, classification, and examples of ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, and alloys. The teacher assigns homework: research the uses of different types of steel.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the lesson and receive further learning tasks.

Lesson Keywords

Metal – A material that is typically hard, opaque, shiny, and has good electrical and thermal conductivity.
Ferrous Metals – Metals that contain iron as their main component.
Non-Ferrous Metals – Metals that do not contain iron as their main component.
Alloys – Mixtures of two or more metals, or a metal combined with one or more other elements.
Pig Iron – A high-carbon iron, the intermediate product of smelting iron ore.
Steel – An alloy of iron and carbon, often with other elements, known for its strength.
Wrought Iron – A tough, malleable, and ductile form of iron, easily welded.
Cast Iron – An alloy of iron, carbon, and silicon, known for its hardness and brittleness.
Aluminium – A lightweight, silvery-white non-ferrous metal, resistant to corrosion.
Copper – A reddish-brown non-ferrous metal, highly conductive of electricity and heat.
Brass – An alloy primarily of copper and zinc.
Bronze – An alloy primarily of copper, usually with tin as the main additive.

Differentiation

The teacher will provide additional support to pupils who are struggling by using simplified language and more visual aids. Advanced learners will be encouraged to research specific properties and applications of different metal types.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure they have actual samples of metals and alloys available for pupils to touch and observe. Emphasize safety precautions when handling metal samples. Encourage active participation and critical thinking throughout the lesson.