Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: Second Term
Week: 1
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Health Education
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: WATER SUPPLY
Subject Matter: definition of water, sources of water including rain borehole river streams spring well and pond, methods of water purification

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define water.
List at least five sources of water.
Explain at least three methods of water purification.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of clean water for health.
Value the practice of purifying water before consumption.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify various natural and artificial sources of water.
Demonstrate at least one simple method of water purification.

Discuss the role of community in ensuring access to safe water.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Senior Secondary Schools.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Health Education, SSS 1.
Health Education for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Posters and charts showing various water sources (rain, river, well, bore-hole, pond).
Samples of water (clean and possibly murky).
Materials for water purification demonstration: cloth filter, alum, sand, gravel, charcoal, buckets/containers, stove/heater for boiling.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand where water comes from and why it is important to treat water before drinking. Knowing how to purify water enables pupils to protect their health and prevent waterborne diseases in their homes and communities.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of water from their primary school science lessons and everyday experiences.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

WATER SUPPLY

Definition of Water

Water is an inorganic, transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance, which is the main constituent of Earth’s hydrosphere and the fluids of all known living organisms.

Sources of Water

The following are common sources of water:

Rain: Water falling from the atmosphere as precipitation.
Borehole: A deep, narrow shaft drilled into the ground to extract water from underground aquifers.
River: A large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river.
Stream: A small, narrow river.
Spring: A natural outflow of groundwater from the ground.
Well: A shaft sunk into the ground to obtain water, oil, or gas.
Pond: A small body of still water formed naturally or artificially.

Methods of Water Purification

Water purification is the process of removing undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants, suspended solids, and gases from water. The following are common methods:

Boiling: Heating water to its boiling point (100°C) for at least one minute to kill most disease-causing microorganisms.
Filtration: Passing water through a filter medium (like sand, gravel, charcoal, or a cloth) to remove suspended particles and some larger impurities.
Chlorination: Adding chlorine or chlorine compounds (e.g., bleach) to water to kill bacteria and other microorganisms.
Sedimentation and Decantation: Allowing suspended particles to settle at the bottom of a container (sedimentation) and then carefully pouring off the clear water (decantation). Alum can be added to speed up sedimentation.

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 asks them to mention things they use water for daily. The teacher then introduces the topic “Water Supply” by stating its importance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils recall the uses of water and are prepared for the lesson.

Step 2: Definition of Water

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines water and explains its general characteristics (colorless, odorless, tasteless). The teacher writes the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarity, and copy the definition.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic definition of water.

Step 3: Sources of Water

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays posters/charts showing various water sources. The teacher then lists and briefly explains each source mentioned in the subject matter (rain, borehole, river, stream, spring, well, pond), emphasizing the differences.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the charts, identify the sources, and contribute by mentioning other sources they know.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and name different sources of water.

Step 4: Methods of Water Purification

Time: 15 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concept of water purification. Using the instructional materials (cloth filter, alum, sand, gravel, charcoal, water samples), the teacher demonstrates simple purification methods like filtration, sedimentation with alum, and briefly explains boiling and chlorination.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations carefully, ask questions, and may assist the teacher in simple steps.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and can explain basic methods of water purification.

Step 5: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define water.
Mention four sources of water.
State two reasons why water needs to be purified.
Explain two methods of water purification.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of clean water. The teacher then gives homework: “Research on the health implications of drinking unpurified water.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are prepared for further study.

Lesson Keywords

Water – An essential liquid for life, colorless, odorless, and tasteless.
Purification – The process of removing impurities from water to make it safe for use.
Borehole – A deep well drilled into the ground to access groundwater.
Filtration – A method of separating solid particles from a liquid by passing it through a filter medium.
Boiling – Heating water to kill disease-causing microorganisms.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research advanced water treatment methods or community water projects. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified explanations, repeat demonstrations, and offer individual assistance during activities.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure all materials for the demonstration are prepared beforehand to save time. Encourage active participation from pupils, especially during the demonstration of water purification methods. Emphasize practical applications of the knowledge for their daily lives.