Class: Primary 4
Term: 2nd Term
Subject: National values Education
Curriculum Theme: Social Studies
Previous Lesson: Meaning And Importance Of Employment
Topic: Meaning And Types of Natural Resources
Content/Learning Area: Meaning of natural resources, types of natural resources
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Define natural resources and identify five types of natural resources.
- Affective Domain: Explain the importance of natural resources to everyday life.
- psychomotor Domain: Draw and label a simple example of a natural resource, such as a tree or river.
- Social Domain: Discuss in pairs how natural resources benefit their community.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9–Years Basic Education Curriculum, Abuja.
- Educational Resource center Scheme of Work.
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work.
- Online information from: Britannica – Natural resource | Definition, Examples, & Facts
- Relevant textbooks.
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
- Flashcards with pictures of natural resources (e.g., water, trees, minerals).
- A globe or world map.
- A drawing board and markers.
- A chart showing types of natural resources.
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding natural resources helps pupils appreciate their value in daily life, fosters environmental responsibility, and encourages enduring practices.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are familiar with basic resources in their habitat, such as water and trees, through previous experiences and lessons.
Lesson Content
Meaning and Types of Natural Resources
Natural resources are materials or substances that exist in nature and are used by humans for survival and development. These resources are gifts of nature.
Types of Natural Resources
Natural resources are essential components of our environment that support life and development. They are categorized based on their origin and uses.
The following are types of natural resources:
- Water – Used for drinking, farming, and industry.
- air – Essential for breathing and powering wind turbines.
- Soil – Important for farming and growing plants.
- Minerals – Include gold, iron, and salt, used for making products.
- Plants – Provide food,shelter,and medicine.
- Animals – Provide food, clothing, and labor.
- Sunlight – Provides energy for plants and other organisms.
Renewable and Non-renewable Resources
Natural resources come from nature. Renewable resources such as sunlight, wind and well-managed forests can be replaced naturally, although they can still be damaged or overused. Non-renewable resources such as crude oil, natural gas and many minerals form so slowly that their supply is limited.
Resources may also be grouped as land, water, forest, wildlife and mineral resources. Classification helps people plan use and conservation.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Direct Instruction, Demonstration, Guided Revelation, group Discussion, Question-and-answer session, Storytelling, Visual Aids.
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
step 1: Introduction (Set Induction)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Asks pupils to name things they use every day, such as water, trees, or fuel.
Pupils’ Activity: Respond by naming items in their environment.
Step 2: Explaining Meaning of Natural Resources
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Direct Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: Explains that natural resources are materials from nature that we use for survival and development.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively.
Step 3: Listing Types of Natural Resources
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Shows flashcards and charts, explaining five types of natural resources: water, air, soil, minerals, and plants.
Pupils’ Activity: Identify and name types of resources shown on the flashcards.
Step 4: Importance of Natural Resources
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Discovery
teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils in discussing why natural resources are critically important to people and the environment.
Pupils’ Activity: Share ideas about the uses of natural resources.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Autonomous Learning
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils to copy the lesson content into their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Copy the notes.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Oral Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Asks questions to test understanding of the topic.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer questions correctly.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Define natural resources and identify five types of natural resources.
- Explain the importance of natural resources to everyday life.
- Draw and label a simple example of a natural resource, such as a tree or river.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the meaning and types of natural resources.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen and ask any questions for clarification.
Lesson Keywords
- Natural Resources – Materials or substances that exist in nature and are used by humans.
- Water – A natural resource used for drinking, farming, and industry.
- Air – A natural resource essential for breathing and powering wind turbines.
- Soil – A natural resource important for farming and growing plants.
- Minerals – Natural resources like gold, iron, and salt, used for making products.
- Plants – Natural resources that provide food, shelter, and medicine.
Lesson Evaluation
to evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Define natural resources.
- Mention three examples of natural resources.
- List five types of natural resources.
- Discuss why natural resources are important in their daily lives.
- Draw and label a tree or river as an example of a natural resource.
Assignment/Homework
- List five natural resources found in your community.
- Explain how you use water, air, and soil in your daily life.
- Draw and label two different types of natural resources.
Differentiation
- for slower learners: Provide simplified definitions and focus on identifying basic natural resources like water, air, and trees.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to research and present on the sustainable use of natural resources in Nigeria.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids like pictures and videos, encourage group discussions, and incorporate hands-on activities like drawing and labeling natural resources.
Note for Teachers
Encourage pupils to relate the topic to their immediate environment, making the lesson more relatable and engaging. Use visuals to simplify complex concepts. happy teaching!

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