Class: Primary 5
Term: 3rd Term
subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Technology
Previous Lesson: Meaning Of Electric Circuit And Uses Of Electricity
Topic: Meaning Of Magnetism And Properties Of magnet
Content/Learning Area: Meaning Of Magnetism And Properties Of Magnet
Time allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson,pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain the meaning of magnetism and list the properties of a magnet.
- Affective Domain: Show curiosity and interest in exploring magnetic materials.
- Psychomotor Domain: Identify and group materials that are attracted by a magnet.
- social Domain: Work cooperatively in groups during class experiments involving magnets.
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: Wikipedia – Magnetism
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson,the teacher will use the following materials:
- Bar magnets
- Iron nails
- Paper clips
- Cardboard
- Chart showing magnetic and non-magnetic materials
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector (if available)
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding magnetism helps pupils explore real-world applications like electric motors,compasses,and magnetic toys in their daily lives.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have seen magnets used in toys and household items and are familiar with the idea that some objects stick to magnets while others do not.
Lesson Content
Meaning Of Magnetism And Properties Of Magnet
Magnetism is a force that can attract or pull some objects like iron. Magnets are objects that produce this force. They can pull things like pins, nails, and paper clips.
Properties of magnet
Magnets have special features that make them useful in many ways. The following are properties of magnets:
- Magnets attract objects made of iron
- Magnets have two ends called poles
- Magnets can pull or push each other
- The force of a magnet works thru paper or cloth
- Magnets do not attract wood or plastic
- Like poles push each other away
- Unlike poles pull each other together
Magnetism and Properties of Magnets
Magnetism is a force by which magnets attract certain materials, especially iron and steel, and attract or repel other magnets. Every magnet has a north pole and south pole. Unlike poles attract; like poles repel.
The magnetic effect is strongest near the poles. A freely suspended magnet tends to settle roughly north–south. Not every metal is magnetic: aluminium and copper are not attracted in the same way as iron.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Lecture, Description, Demonstration, Group Work, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Tells a story about a boy who discovers that his toys stick to the fridge door
Pupils’ Activity: Listen and share similar experiences
Step 2: Meaning of Magnetism
Time: 7 mins
Teaching Skill: Explanation
teacher’s Activity: Explains the meaning of magnetism and shows a simple magnet and how it works
pupils’ Activity: Observe and describe what happens when magnet is used
Step 3: Properties of Magnet
Time: 10 mins
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Uses various items and magnets to show different properties of magnets
Pupils’ Activity: Participate in testing objects with magnets
Step 4: Group Activity – Sorting
Time: 7 mins
Teaching Skill: Group Work
teacher’s Activity: Divides class into groups to sort magnetic and non-magnetic materials
Pupils’ Activity: Work in groups and sort items accordingly
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 3 mins
Teaching Skill: Writing Skills
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils to write the lesson note on the board
Pupils’ Activity: Copy notes correctly into notebooks
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: Asks pupils questions based on the topic
Pupils’ Activity: Answer questions and show their group work
Objective-aligned checks:
- Explain the meaning of magnetism and list the properties of a magnet.
- Show curiosity and interest in exploring magnetic materials.
- Identify and group materials that are attracted by a magnet.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 3 mins
Teaching Skill: Instructional/cognitive/Social
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the topic, encourages interest in science, praises participation
Pupils’ Activity: Listen, ask final questions, and clap for each other
Lesson Keywords
- Magnetism – the force that attracts iron
- Magnet – an object that pulls certain materials
- Pole – each end of a magnet
- Attract – to pull closer
- Repel – to push away
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Define magnetism
- Mention three materials that magnets can attract
- Name the two ends of a magnet
- State three properties of magnets
- Identify magnetic items from a given set
Assignment/Homework
(There is no Assignment/Homework in the attached lesson note)
Differentiation
- For slower learners: The teacher will support slower learners with guided group tasks.
- For advanced learners: Fast learners will explain their group findings to the class.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: (There is no visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners in the attached lesson note)
Note for Teachers
Ensure pupils are actively involved in the demonstration and use real magnets for better engagement. Reinforce new vocabulary.

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