Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 10
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Technology
Previous Lesson: Classification,
Topic: Types, identification, Properties And Uses Of Rubber And Plastics
Subject Matter: Types, identification, Properties, Uses

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Identify different types of rubber and plastics.
(b) Explain the major properties of rubber and plastics.
Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the importance of rubber and plastics in everyday life.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Differentiate between rubber and plastics using instructional materials.
Social Domain:
(a) Work in groups to classify examples of rubber and plastics.

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
Science Direct – “Rubber and Plastic Materials: Properties and Uses” (https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/rubber)
Britannica – “Plastics” (https://www.britannica.com/science/plastic)
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Samples of rubber (eraser, tyre piece, rubber band)
Samples of plastics (plastic bottle, bucket, plate, ruler)
Chart showing types of plastics and rubber
Whiteboard and markers
Pictures of industrial applications of plastics and rubber

Rationale for the Lesson

Plastics and rubber are everyday materials with wide industrial and domestic applications; understanding their types, properties, and uses will help students make informed choices.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have previously used rubber bands, erasers, buckets, and plastic bottles at home and in school, so they have informal experience with plastics and rubber materials.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Types, Identification, Properties and Uses of Rubber and Plastics

Meaning of Rubber

Rubber is an elastic material obtained naturally from latex of rubber trees or manufactured synthetically. It can stretch and return to its original shape.

The following are types of rubber:

Natural rubber – obtained from latex of rubber trees.
Synthetic rubber – man-made rubber from petroleum products.
Vulcanized rubber – rubber treated with sulphur to improve strength.

Meaning of Plastics

Plastics are synthetic materials made from petroleum chemicals, which can be moulded into different shapes when heated.

These include types of plastics:

Thermoplastics – soften when heated and can be reshaped.
Thermosetting plastics – once set, they cannot be reshaped by heating.

Identification of Rubber and Plastics

Rubber and plastics can be identified by their appearance, flexibility, and reactions to heat and stress.

The following are ways of identifying them:

Rubber is elastic and stretches easily, plastics are rigid or flexible depending on type.
Rubber has a rougher surface while plastics often have smooth, shiny surfaces.
Rubber burns with smoke and odour, plastics melt when heated (thermoplastics).

Properties of Rubber and Plastics

Rubber and plastics have physical and chemical properties that make them useful in different areas.

The following are properties of rubber:

Elasticity
Waterproof nature
Resistance to wear and tear
Poor conductor of electricity

The following are properties of plastics:

Light in weight
Can be moulded into different shapes
Resistant to corrosion and chemicals
Poor conductor of heat and electricity

Uses of Rubber and Plastics

Rubber and plastics are widely used in domestic and industrial purposes.

The following are uses of rubber:

Making tyres, tubes, and belts
Production of erasers and footwear
Insulation of electrical wires
Shock absorbers in vehicles

The following are uses of plastics:

Manufacturing of bottles, plates, buckets, and chairs
Making electrical sockets and plugs
Packaging materials such as nylon bags
Industrial uses in machine parts and casings

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Discussion, Lecture, Explanation, Demonstration, Group Work, Question and Answer, Use of Instructional Materials

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 introduces the lesson by showing pupils an eraser, a tyre piece, and a plastic bottle, asking them to describe what they notice.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and describe the objects.
Learning Point: Pupils’ interest is aroused and they are prepared for the lesson.

Step 2: Meaning and Types of Rubber and Plastics

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning and types of rubber and plastics using real samples and a chart.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe, and take note.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning and types of rubber and plastics.

Step 3: Identification of Rubber and Plastics

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how rubber stretches and how plastics differ in flexibility.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils test samples by touching and stretching.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify differences between rubber and plastics.

Step 4: Properties and Uses of Rubber and Plastics

Time: 12 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the properties and uses of rubber and plastics, asking pupils to give examples of how they use these materials at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute examples and write down points.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the properties and uses of rubber and plastics.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher dictates or writes the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy notes into their books.
Learning Point: Pupils have written records of the lesson.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

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

Define rubber and plastics.
Mention two types of rubber and two types of plastics.
State three properties of rubber.
List three uses of plastics.
How can you differentiate rubber from plastics?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer the teacher’s questions orally.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson and emphasizes the importance of rubber and plastics in daily life.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions if necessary.
Learning Point: Pupils recall the key points of the lesson.

Home Task: Record two correct examples of Types, identification, Properties And Uses Of Rubber And Plastics from the lesson or home environment and explain each in your own words.

Lesson Keywords

Rubber – an elastic material from natural or synthetic sources
Plastic – a mouldable synthetic material from petroleum
Elasticity – ability to stretch and return to original shape
Thermoplastics – plastics that soften with heat and can be reshaped
Vulcanization – process of treating rubber with sulphur to increase strength

Differentiation

Teacher will support slower learners with real objects for better understanding, while faster learners will be encouraged to provide more examples and applications.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage active participation by allowing pupils to handle the materials. Use real-life examples to relate the lesson to pupils’ daily experiences.