Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 1
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
Sub Theme: Concept Of Living And Non Living Things
Previous Lesson:
Topic: Living And Non Living Things: Matter
Subject Matter: Meaning, Identification and Classification of Matter, States of Matter

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Define matter correctly.
(b) Identify and classify matter into living and non-living things.
(c) Mention and explain the states of matter with examples.
Affective Domain:
(a) Show interest in identifying matter in their immediate environment.
(b) Appreciate the importance of matter in everyday life.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Classify given objects into living and non-living things.
(b) Demonstrate with examples the three states of matter.
Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively in groups to classify matter.
(b) Share examples of matter from their homes and environment with their classmates.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Junior Secondary Schools
Online information from: Britannica – Matter | Definition, Physics, Characteristics, States, Examples
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A chart showing living and non-living things
Pictures of animals, plants, stones, and water
Samples of objects: stone, leaf, bottle of water, balloon filled with air
Flashcards with states of matter
Whiteboard and marker

Rationale for the Lesson

Matter makes up everything around us, and understanding its meaning, classification, and states helps students connect science to their everyday experiences.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have seen and interacted with different objects in their environment such as stones, water, plants, and animals, and they can tell whether these things are living or non-living.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Living and Non Living Things: Matter

Meaning of Matter

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. All objects around us are made up of matter, whether they are living or non-living.
The following are examples of matter:

Air
Water
Stone
Human beings
Animals and plants

Identification of Matter

We can identify matter by two main features: it must have mass (weight) and it must occupy space (volume). For example, water fills a bottle, air fills a balloon, and a stone has weight.

Classification of Matter

Matter is classified into two groups based on whether it has life or not.
They are:

Living Things – These are matter that have life. They can move, breathe, grow, reproduce, and respond to changes. Examples are humans, goats, trees, fish, and birds.
Non-Living Things – These are matter that do not have life. They do not move by themselves, breathe, grow, or reproduce. Examples are stones, sand, water, books, and chairs.

States of Matter

Matter exists in three main states. These states describe how particles of matter are arranged and how they behave.
The states of matter include:

Solid – Solids have definite shape and volume. Examples are stone, book, chair, and iron.
Liquid – Liquids have definite volume but no definite shape; they take the shape of the container that holds them. Examples include water, oil, and milk.
Gas – Gases have no definite shape and no definite volume. They spread to fill any available space. Examples are air, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Discussion, Lecture, Storytelling, Explanation, Question and Answer, Group Work, Demonstration, Use of Visual Aids

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: The teacher tells a short story about the things she met on her way to school such as stones, air, and animals, then asks pupils what all these things have in common.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and respond by mentioning their own observations of things they see daily.
Learning Point: Pupils become interested in the topic and connect to prior experiences.

Step 2: Meaning of Matter

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines matter and gives examples using real objects like a stone, a leaf, and water.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and listen attentively, giving more examples of matter.
Learning Point: Pupils understand that matter is anything with mass and occupies space.

Step 3: Classification of Matter

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion and Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains living and non-living things, showing charts and objects as examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils classify objects into living and non-living categories in groups.
Learning Point: Pupils can differentiate between living and non-living matter.

Step 4: States of Matter

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation and Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains solids, liquids, and gases using examples like a stone (solid), water (liquid), and a balloon with air (gas).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, handle the objects, and state which state of matter they belong to.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the three states of matter with examples.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Writing/Organization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher dictates and writes the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes neatly into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils have written records of the key points.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

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

What is matter?
Give three examples of matter.
What are the two main classifications of matter?
Mention and explain the three states of matter.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer the questions orally.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson, emphasizes the importance of matter, and encourages pupils to keep observing their environment.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions if any.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate the knowledge learned.

Home Task: Record two correct examples of Living And Non Living Things: Matter from the lesson or home environment and explain each in your own words.

Lesson Keywords

Matter – Anything that has mass and occupies space
Living Things – Matter that has life, can move, grow, and reproduce
Non-Living Things – Matter without life that cannot move or reproduce
Solid – State of matter with definite shape and volume
Liquid – State of matter with definite volume but no definite shape
Gas – State of matter with no definite shape or volume

Differentiation

The teacher will use visual aids, group activities, and simple language to support all learners. Fast learners will give additional examples, while slower learners will be guided with real-life objects.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to relate the topic to their daily lives by identifying matter in their homes and school environment. Use objects around the classroom for better understanding.