Meaning, characteristics of matter and Examples of matter for JSS 1

Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Intermediate Science
Curriculum Theme: Living and Non-Living Matter
Focal competence: Classifying things in the environment as living and non-living matter
Key competencies/values: Collaboration; Critical Thinking; Respect
Skills:

• Classifying things in the environment as living and non-living matter

Previous Lesson: Socio-economic and agricultural practices influencing bush burning
Topic: Matter-Basic Concepts
Subject Matter: Meaning, characteristics of matter, Examples of matter

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define matter.
• Describe the characteristics of matter.
• Give examples of matter.
• Identify examples of matter.

Affective Domain

• Collaborate effectively in groups to classify matter.
• Show respect for diverse opinions during discussions.

Psychomotor Domain

• Categorise various objects as matter or non-matter.
• Handle samples of matter carefully during observation.

Social Domain

• Engage in interactive discussions about matter with peers and the teacher.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Basic Science and Technology Textbook for JSS 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Samples of matter (e.g., stone, water in a bottle, air in a balloon, book, plant, animal)
• Charts/pictures showing different types of matter (solids, liquids, gases)
• Charts/pictures showing different classes of matter (living and non-living)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important as it introduces students to the fundamental concept of matter, which is the building block of everything around us. Understanding matter helps students grasp basic scientific principles and classify objects in their environment, fostering critical thinking and observation skills.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of common objects and materials found in their immediate environment.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Matter-Basic Concepts

Meaning of Matter

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space (has volume). It can be seen, felt, or sometimes even smelt. Everything around us, from the air we breathe to the chair we sit on, is matter.

Characteristics of Matter

All matter shares certain characteristics:

1. Has Mass: Mass is the amount of substance in an object. We measure mass in kilograms (kg) or grams (g).
2. Occupies Space (Has Volume): Volume is the amount of space an object takes up. We measure volume in cubic metres (m³) or litres (L).
3. Can be Perceived by Senses: We can often see, touch, smell, or taste matter. For example, we can see a book, feel water, or smell perfume.
4. Made of Particles: All matter is made up of tiny particles (atoms and molecules) that are constantly in motion.

Examples of Matter

Matter exists in various forms and can be classified in different ways. Some examples include:

1. Solids: Have a definite shape and volume. Examples: stone, book, table, ice.
2. Liquids: Have a definite volume but take the shape of their container. Examples: water, milk, oil, juice.
3. Gases: Have no definite shape or volume and spread to fill their container. Examples: air, oxygen, steam, carbon dioxide.
4. Living Matter: Things that are alive and show characteristics of life (e.g., growth, reproduction, movement). Examples: plants, animals, humans, bacteria.
5. Non-Living Matter: Things that are not alive and do not show characteristics of life. Examples: rocks, water, plastic, metals, sunlight (though sunlight is energy, not matter).

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Group Work.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to look around the classroom, identifying different objects they see. The teacher then asks what these objects have in common.

Pupils’ Activity: Students greet the teacher, identify various objects, and share their observations about common features.

Learning Point: Awareness of objects

Step 2: Meaning of Matter

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the concept of matter, explaining that everything around us is matter. The teacher defines matter as “anything that has mass and occupies space (volume)” and uses simple examples like a book and air in a balloon to illustrate. The teacher engages students in an interactive discussion on the meaning of matter.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen attentively, ask questions for clarification, and participate in the discussion by suggesting objects that fit the definition of matter.

Learning Point: Definition of matter

Step 3: Characteristics of Matter

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher describes the characteristics of matter, such as having mass, occupying space, and being perceivable by the senses. The teacher uses samples like a stone (to show mass and volume) and water (to show volume and taking container shape) to demonstrate these characteristics.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstrations, listen to the explanations, and describe the characteristics of matter based on what they see and hear.

Learning Point: Properties of matter

Step 4: Examples of Matter

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Illustration/Question and Answer

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides various examples of matter, categorising them into solids, liquids, and gases using charts and actual samples. The teacher asks students to state their own examples of matter.

Pupils’ Activity: Students identify examples of matter from the charts and samples, and state additional examples from their environment.

Learning Point: Common matter examples

Step 5: Classification of Matter (Living and Non-Living)

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Group Work/Facilitation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into small groups and instructs them to brainstorm and classify various items (provided as pictures or names) as either “living matter” or “non-living matter.” The teacher guides them to think about the basic differences.

Pupils’ Activity: Students work in groups, discuss, and classify the given items as living or non-living matter, presenting their classifications to the class.

Learning Point: Living/non-living classification

Step 6: Review and Reinforcement

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Question and Answer

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reviews the key concepts covered: meaning, characteristics, and examples of matter. The teacher asks quick questions to ensure understanding.

Pupils’ Activity: Students answer questions, reinforcing their understanding of matter.

Learning Point: Matter concept reinforcement

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is matter?
2. Mention two characteristics of matter.
3. Give three examples of matter.
4. Identify which of these is matter: light, sound, water, heat.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessment of understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the meaning, characteristics, and examples of matter into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson information

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the lesson by reiterating that everything around us is matter and encourages students to observe and classify matter in their daily lives.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and reflect on the main points of the lesson.

Learning Point: Matter concept consolidation

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook.

1. List five examples of matter you find in your home.
2. Explain in your own words what makes something “matter.”
3. Classify the following into living or non-living matter: stone, dog, tree, air, book.

Lesson Keywords

• Matter – Anything that has mass and occupies space.
• Mass – The amount of substance in an object.
• Volume – The amount of space an object occupies.
• Characteristics – Distinguishing features or qualities.
• Living Matter – Matter that is alive and shows life processes.
• Non-Living Matter – Matter that is not alive.

Differentiation

For weaker learners, provide simplified definitions and more visual aids. Pair them with stronger learners during group activities. For faster learners, challenge them to research the states of matter beyond solids, liquids, and gases, or to find examples of matter that are difficult to perceive with the senses (e.g., gases).

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search YouTube for “What is matter for kids JSS 1” or “Characteristics and examples of matter basic science”.

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have a variety of physical samples of matter (e.g., a book, a bottle of water, an inflated balloon, a small plant, a stone) and charts depicting different types and classifications of matter. During the lesson, encourage active participation, especially during the interactive discussion and group brainstorming on classifying matter. Pay attention to students’ understanding of “mass” and “volume” as core characteristics. Allow students to copy the Board Summary notes after the main teaching and evaluation to ensure they have a clear record of the lesson. Provide support to students who struggle with the abstract concepts of mass and volume by relating them to everyday experiences.