Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 7
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Technology
Previous Lesson: Uses of Wood
Topic: Properties Of Metals
Subject Matter: Identification by their Physical Properties, Types and Alloys

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Explain the physical properties of metals.
(b) Differentiate between types of metals and alloys.
Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the usefulness of metals in everyday life.
(b) Show interest in identifying different metals and alloys around them.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Identify and classify samples of metals based on their physical properties.
(b) Demonstrate the use of magnets to test for magnetism in metals.
Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively in groups to classify metals.
(b) Share findings from group activities with peers.

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
Britannica – Metal | Definition, Characteristics, Types, & Facts
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Samples of metals (iron, copper, aluminum, zinc)
Magnets
Charts showing metallic properties
Models of household metallic objects
Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

Metals are essential materials used in building, machines, and tools. Understanding their properties helps students identify, classify, and apply them correctly in daily life.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have observed and used metallic objects at home and in school, such as spoons, pots, doors, and roofing sheets. They can distinguish them from plastic or wooden objects by appearance and feel.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Properties of Metals

Physical Properties of Metals

Metals are solid materials that have certain physical characteristics which make them useful in different ways.
The following are physical properties of metals:

They are good conductors of heat and electricity.
They are malleable (can be beaten into sheets).
They are ductile (can be drawn into wires).
They are strong and hard.
They are shiny (lustrous).
They have high melting and boiling points.
Some are magnetic (like iron, cobalt, and nickel).

Types of Metals

Metals can be grouped into two major types based on their properties and uses.
They are:

Ferrous metals – contain iron and are usually magnetic. Examples include steel and cast iron.
Non-ferrous metals – do not contain iron and are usually non-magnetic. Examples include copper, aluminum, zinc, and tin.

Alloys

An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and another element, to improve strength, durability, or resistance.
Examples include:

Bronze (copper and tin).
Brass (copper and zinc).
Stainless steel (iron, chromium, and nickel).
Duralumin (aluminum and copper).

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, 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 displays metallic objects such as a spoon, aluminum plate, and an iron nail, asking pupils to describe their appearance and uses.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and respond with what they see and know about the objects.
Learning Point: Pupils become interested and motivated to learn about metals.

Step 2: Physical Properties of Metals

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the physical properties of metals and demonstrates conductivity using a simple wire and bulb setup.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, listen, and note key properties.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the physical characteristics of metals.

Step 3: Types of Metals

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distinguishes between ferrous and non-ferrous metals, showing real samples or charts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils classify metals into ferrous and non-ferrous with guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify different types of metals.

Step 4: Alloys

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains alloys with examples and their uses in daily life.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, copy notes, and provide examples they know.
Learning Point: Pupils understand alloys as mixtures of metals and their importance.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher dictates or writes the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy notes into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate learning through note-taking.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

List four physical properties of metals.
Give two differences between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Define an alloy and give two examples.
Mention one use of alloys in everyday life.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer questions orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson objectives.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson and links it to the next topic.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask clarifying questions.
Learning Point: Pupils leave with a clear understanding of metals and their properties.

Home Task: Record two correct examples of Properties Of Metals from the lesson or home environment and explain each in your own words.

Lesson Keywords

Malleable – ability of a metal to be beaten into sheets
Ductile – ability of a metal to be drawn into wires
Ferrous – metals that contain iron
Non-ferrous – metals that do not contain iron
Alloy – a mixture of two or more metals to improve properties

Differentiation

The teacher will support slow learners with simple examples and real-life objects while challenging fast learners to give more examples of alloys and their uses.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Always bring real metallic samples to class for practical demonstration. This helps pupils connect theory to real-life experience and promotes active participation.