Class: Primary 4
Term: 3rd Term
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme:
Previous Lesson: Historical features and sites in the locality
Topic: Major Historical Features and Sites in Nigeria
Content/Learning Area: Historical Features to Look out for in Nigeria: Implements, Tools, Artifacts, etc.
Time Allocation: 40 minutes

Performance Objectives

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

• Cognitive Domain: Identify different traditional implements, tools, and artifacts used in early Nigerian societies.

• Affective Domain: Appreciate the value of traditional heritage items and their cultural importance.

• Psychomotor Domain: Draw or model examples of selected historical implements or tools.

• Social Domain: Collaborate in groups to discuss the significance of various historical tools and artifacts.

Reference Materials

• Nigeria Primary History Book 4
• 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Abuja Educational Resource Center Scheme of work
• NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work

Instructional Materials

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use visual illustrations, real or replica artifacts, charts of traditional tools, flashcards, and pictures of implements and cultural objects used by various Nigerian ethnic groups.

Rationale for the Lesson

To help pupils recognize, appreciate, and connect with Nigeria’s cultural and historical heritage through the study of traditional tools and artifacts.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have previously learned about the early people of Nigeria and their way of life.

Lesson Content

Major Historical Features and Sites in Nigeria

Major historical features in Nigeria include traditional implements, tools, and artifacts used by different ethnic groups in ancient times for survival, communication, trade, religious practice, and artistic expression.

Implements

Implements are tools or instruments used for practical tasks, usually in agriculture, hunting, or domestic life.
Examples include:

1. Stone hoes and axes – used by early farmers in Jos Plateau, Cross River.

2. Iron-smelting furnaces and slag – used by the Nok and Hausa people.

3. Wooden mortars and pestles – common among the Yoruba and Igbo.

4. Fishing spears and nets – used by riverine peoples like the Ijaw and Ilaje.

5. Clay pots and water carriers – widely used across Hausa, Tiv, and Kanuri communities.

Tools

Tools are hand-made objects used to perform tasks such as farming, blacksmithing, or crafting.
Examples:

1. Blacksmith tools – anvils, hammers, and bellows used by Nok and Nupe people.

2. Carving tools – used by Benin and Yoruba carvers to create sculptures.

3. Weaving looms – used by the Tiv and Yoruba to produce traditional textiles.

4. Grinding stones – used by women across all Nigerian ethnicities for food preparation.

5. Agricultural tools like hoes, sickles, and cutlasses – widely used in farming communities.

Artifacts

Artifacts are man-made cultural objects from the past that represent the beliefs, practices, and aesthetics of Nigerian societies.
Examples include:

1. Ife bronze heads – realistic sculptures created by the Yoruba in ancient Ife.

2. Benin bronze plaques and royal statues – created by the Edo people for palace decoration.

3. Nok terracotta figures – ancient clay sculptures dating to 500 BC, found in present-day Kaduna.

4. Owo ivory carvings – delicate religious and ceremonial items from southwestern Nigeria.

5. Igbo-Ukwu bronze and beadworks – discovered in Anambra State, dating back to the 9th century.

6. Ekwe and ogene (wooden and metal drums) – musical instruments used in Igbo ceremonies.

7. Yoruba beaded crowns and staffs of office – symbols of kingship and ritual power.

8. Fulani milk gourds and engraved leather bags – used in daily life and as art.

9. Nupe and Tiv traditional stools and carved doors – often decorated with tribal motifs.

10. Kano dyed textiles (Kofar Mata dye pits) – products of ancient Hausa indigo dyeing traditions.

These artifacts provide clues about ancient Nigerian technologies, beliefs, leadership systems, and artistic excellence.

Teaching Methods

To deliver this lesson,‌ ⁤the teacher will⁤ adopt⁤ the following methods: Discussion, Storytelling, Explanation, Visual Aids, Question and Answer

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: Asks pupils to mention old or traditional objects they have seen at home or on TV.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond and describe traditional objects or tools.

Step 2: Identifying Implements

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Shows images of ancient implements and explains their uses by different ethnic groups.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe and identify the implements being discussed.

Step 3: Explaining Tools and Their Purposes

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Leads discussion on the role of traditional tools in farming, blacksmithing, and trade.
Pupils’ Activity: Participate in discussion and ask questions.

Step 4: Examples of Artifacts

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Show and Tell
Teacher’s Activity: Displays pictures or replicas of famous Nigerian artifacts and explains their origin, purpose, and cultural meaning.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe the artifacts, describe what they see, and listen to the teacher’s explanation.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Writing
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils to write down important notes on the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Write key points in their notebooks.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: Asks questions to review the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Respond to evaluation questions.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summary
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the main points and encourages appreciation of Nigeria’s historical heritage.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen to the summary and ask final questions.

Lesson Keywords

• Implements – Simple tools used in farming, hunting, or daily tasks

• Artifacts – Ancient objects made by people to reflect their culture

• Bronze – A metal used in making art and royal items

• Terracotta – Baked clay used for sculpture

• Blacksmith – A person who makes tools and weapons from metal

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

1. Mention two examples of implements used in ancient Nigeria.

2. List three tools used by Nigerian ethnic groups in the past.

3. What are artifacts?

4. Mention two artifacts and the groups associated with them.

5. Explain the importance of tools in early Nigerian society.

Assignment/Homework

1. Draw and label one traditional implement and one artifact.

2. Write three sentences about the importance of artifacts.

3. Find out one item used by your grandparents and describe it.

Differentiation

• For slower learners: Provide extra visual aids and allow peer support during note-taking.

• For advanced learners: Assign additional research on local historical objects.

• For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use images, sounds, and physical replicas to enhance understanding.

Note for Teachers

Ensure pupils relate artifacts and tools to the ethnic groups that used them; emphasize cultural identity while avoiding overgeneralization. Use real or visual samples to maintain engagement and support retention.