Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3, JSS 3)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 7 – 8
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
Previous Lesson: Sound Energy and Hearing
Topic: Magnetism
Subject Matter: Lodestone, Law of magnetism, Magnetic poles and magnetic fields, Care of magnets

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Explain the meaning of magnetism and lodestone.
(b) State the law of magnetism correctly.
(c) Identify magnetic poles and describe magnetic fields.
(d) Explain proper ways of caring for magnets.
Affective Domain:
(a) Show curiosity and positive attitude towards magnetic experiments.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Demonstrate magnetic attraction using simple materials.
(b) Arrange magnets to show attraction and repulsion.
Social Domain:
(a) Participate actively in group demonstrations and discussions.

Reference Materials

The following resources was used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Junior Secondary Schools
Britannica – Magnetism | Definition, Examples, Physics, & Facts
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Bar magnets and horseshoe magnets
Iron filings
Pins, nails, and paper clips
Compass
Charts showing magnetic fields
Chalkboard and chalk

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand magnetic forces, natural magnets, and practical uses of magnetism in everyday life and technology.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have previously observed objects that attract metals and have basic knowledge of forces from earlier science lessons.

Lesson Content

Magnetism

Meaning of Magnetism

Magnetism is the force by which a magnet attracts or repels certain materials, especially iron and steel. It is a property that allows magnets to pull magnetic materials towards themselves.

Examples are:

Attraction of iron nails by a magnet
Repulsion between similar magnetic poles

Lodestone

Lodestone is a natural magnet found in nature. It is a type of mineral called magnetite that can attract iron without being artificially made.

The following are characteristics of lodestone:

It is a natural magnet
It attracts iron materials
It has two magnetic poles

Law of Magnetism

The law of magnetism explains how magnets interact with each other. It shows the relationship between magnetic poles.

They are:

Like poles repel each other
Unlike poles attract each other

Magnetic Poles and Magnetic Fields

Every magnet has two poles known as the north pole and the south pole. The region around a magnet where its force is felt is called a magnetic field.

These include:

North pole
South pole
Magnetic field lines showing direction of force

Care of Magnets

Magnets must be handled properly to maintain their strength and effectiveness.

The following are ways to care for magnets:

Do not drop or hit magnets
Store magnets with keepers
Avoid heating magnets
Keep magnets away from electrical appliances

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Discussion, Explanation, Demonstration, Visual Aids, Group Work

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 asks pupils questions about objects that attract iron and displays a magnet to arouse interest.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and observe the magnet.
Learning Point: Introduction to magnetism.

Step 2: Meaning of Magnetism and Lodestone

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains magnetism and defines lodestone with examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions.
Learning Point: Understanding magnetism and natural magnets.

Step 3: Law of Magnetism

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates attraction and repulsion using magnets.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and describe what they see.
Learning Point: Like poles repel, unlike poles attract.

Step 4: Magnetic Poles, Fields and Care of Magnets

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses charts and iron filings to show magnetic fields and explains care of magnets.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and take part in discussion.
Learning Point: Magnetic poles, fields, and maintenance.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes the board summary and guides pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy notes.
Learning Point: Consolidation of lesson content.

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 magnetism?
Define lodestone.
State the law of magnetism.
Mention two ways to care for magnets.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally.
Learning Point: Assessment of understanding.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson and corrects misconceptions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively.
Learning Point: Proper understanding of magnetism.

Lesson Keywords

Magnetism – force of attraction or repulsion
Lodestone – natural magnet
Magnetic pole – end of a magnet
Magnetic field – area around a magnet
Attraction – pulling together

Differentiation

Use visual aids and hands-on activities for slower learners while assigning problem-solving tasks to fast learners.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure safety during demonstrations and allow pupils to handle magnets under supervision.