Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 5
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Mathematics
Curriculum Theme: Mathematics
Previous Lesson: Simplifying Algebraic Expressions Using Basic Operations
Topic: Word Problems
Subject Matter: Formation of word problems (simple cases), word problems involving use of symbols

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Form simple mathematical word problems from given statements.
(b) Translate word problems into algebraic expressions or equations using symbols.
Affective Domain:
(a) Show interest and confidence in solving mathematical word problems.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Practice forming and solving word problems correctly using given examples.
Social Domain:
(a) Work collaboratively in pairs or groups to form and solve word problems.

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
Wikipedia – Word problem (mathematics)
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts showing examples of mathematical symbols and their meanings
Flash cards with short word problems
Whiteboard and marker
Exercise books and pencils
Number cards and symbol cards (+, −, ×, ÷, =)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils develop reasoning and analytical skills in converting real-life situations into mathematical expressions using symbols for problem-solving.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils already understand basic arithmetic operations and have been introduced to algebraic symbols in previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Word Problems

Formation of Word Problems (Simple Cases)

Word problems are mathematical problems written in words that describe a situation where arithmetic or algebra is needed to find a solution. Pupils must identify the important information and translate it into mathematical form.

The following are examples of simple cases:

Example 1:
John has 5 apples. Mary gives him 3 more apples. How many apples does John have now?
Solution: 5 + 3 = 8 apples.
Example 2:
A man bought 7 pencils and gave away 2. How many pencils are left?
Solution: 7 − 2 = 5 pencils.
Example 3:
A box contains 4 sweets. If there are 5 boxes, how many sweets are there altogether?
Solution: 4 × 5 = 20 sweets.

They are called “simple” because they use one basic operation to find the answer.

Word Problems Involving Use of Symbols

Sometimes, word problems are expressed using letters or symbols to represent unknown quantities. These are called algebraic word problems. They make it easier to generalize and solve for any value.

The following are examples:

Example 1:
If a boy has x oranges and buys 5 more, write an expression for the total number of oranges.
Solution: Total = x + 5
Example 2:
A girl had y pencils and gave 3 to her friend. How many pencils does she have left?
Solution: Remaining pencils = y − 3
Example 3:
The cost of one pen is ₦x. Find the cost of 4 pens.
Solution: Total cost = 4x
Example 4:
Musa bought x mangoes and Ali bought twice as many. Express the total number of mangoes bought.
Solution: Total = x + 2x = 3x

These examples show how everyday problems can be written in mathematical form using symbols and variables.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Lecture, Discussion, Demonstration, Explanation, Question and Answer, Group Work, Problem Solving

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 starts the lesson by narrating a simple story about buying fruits and asks pupils how to calculate the total number bought.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond with addition or subtraction examples from daily life.
Learning Point: Pupils understand that mathematics can describe real-life situations.

Step 2: Formation of Word Problems

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what word problems are and demonstrates simple examples on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and copy examples into their books.
Learning Point: Pupils can form and solve simple word problems correctly.

Step 3: Word Problems Involving Use of Symbols

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the use of letters or symbols to represent unknown numbers and explains with examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils solve the examples along with the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to represent unknown quantities with symbols.

Step 4: Class Practice

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practice and Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher gives short exercises for pupils to solve individually and in groups.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work on the exercises and share their answers.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their knowledge of forming and solving word problems using symbols.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes the summarized notes (board summary) on the board for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes neatly into their exercise books.
Learning Point: Pupils have accurate notes for revision.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is a word problem?
Form a simple word problem involving subtraction.
Express this statement using a symbol: “Ada has x oranges and buys 6 more.”
Solve: If one pen costs ₦y, what is the cost of 8 pens?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer the questions orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the topic.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages pupils to keep practicing more examples at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask relevant questions.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the use of symbols in forming word problems.

Home Task: Solve three new exercises on Word Problems. Show each step and check each answer.

Lesson Keywords

Variable – a letter representing an unknown number
Expression – a mathematical phrase showing numbers and symbols
Equation – a statement showing equality between two expressions
Symbol – a sign used to represent an operation or quantity
Word Problem – a real-life situation written in mathematical form

Differentiation

Teacher simplifies examples for slower learners and uses peer support for group activities, while fast learners are given extra or more complex problems to solve.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Emphasize clear understanding of the relationship between words and symbols. Encourage pupils to read word problems carefully before solving. Use relatable examples for better comprehension.