- Class: Primary 2
- Term: 3rd Term
- Week: 7
- Age: 7 years
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Subject: Basic Science Technology
- Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
- Topic: Water (Floatation)
- Content: Things that float on water, Things that sink in water
Specific Objectives
- Cognitive Domain: Pupils will be able to identify and categorize items that float and those that sink in water.
- Affective Domain: Pupils will show curiosity and interest in exploring different objects and their ability to float or sink.
- Psychomotor Domain: Pupils will physically test and observe the floatation or sinking of different objects.
- Social Domain: Pupils will cooperate in group activities to discover and discuss the properties of objects in water.
Reference Materials
- 9–Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Information
- Textbooks
Instructional Materials
- A large container of water
- Various small objects (cork, stone, plastic spoon, metal spoon, apple)
- Chart showing items that float and sink
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding the principles of floatation and density is fundamental in basic science. This knowledge helps pupils make sense of everyday occurrences, such as why some things float in water while others sink. This understanding can be linked to real-life situations, enhancing their cognitive and practical skills.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are expected to be familiar with water and common objects found at home and school.
Instructional Procedures
Content Development: Water (Floatation)
| Content | Time | Teaching Method | Teaching Strategy | Teacher’s Activity | Pupil’s Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Introduction | 5 min | Discussion | Questioning | Explain the concept of floatation and density. | Listen and respond to questions. | Introduction to floatation |
| Step 2: Exploration | 10 min | Practical | Demonstration | Show examples of items that float and sink. | Observe and describe what happens. | Understanding floatation |
| Step 3: Group Activity | 10 min | Hands-on | Experimentation | Guide pupils in testing more objects. | Test objects and determine if they float. | Practical application |
| Step 4: Discussion | 5 min | Interactive | Inquiry | Discuss why some items float and others sink. | Share observations and conclusions. | Deepening understanding |
| Step 5: Note taking | 5 min | Writing | Listing | Instruct pupils on what notes to take. | Write down examples of floating and sinking items. | Documentation |
| Step 6: Evaluation | 3 min | Q&A | Assessment | Ask questions about the day’s lesson. | Answer questions to show understanding. | Assessment of learning |
| Step 7: Conclusion | 2 min | Summarization | Reinforcement | Summarize the key points of the lesson. | Listen and recap the main points. | Summary and recap |
Classroom Note
Meaning of Floatation
Floatation is when something can stay on top of the water without sinking to the bottom. This happens when the object isn’t very heavy compared to how much space it takes up.
(To understand this better, think about weight in a different way. Imagine you have a balloon and a similar-sized rock. The balloon is very light, and the rock is very heavy, right? That’s because the rock weighs a lot more even though it’s the same size as the balloon.)
When you put something in water, here’s what might happen:
- If the object is lighter than water (like the balloon), it will float.
- If the object is heavier than water (like the rock), it will sink.
So, an object floats if it’s lighter compared to the amount of water it pushes aside when it goes into the water. If it’s heavier than the water it pushes aside, it will sink.
Examples Of Things That Float On Water
- Wood
- leaf
- plastic ball
- paper
- apple
Examples Of Things That Sink In Water
- Stone
- metal spoon
- coin
- ceramic bowl
- glass marble
Evaluation
- Can you list three items that float on water?
- Name two reasons why certain items sink in water?
- What might happen if you put an apple in water?
Note to Teachers
Adapt the lesson plan to match the learning pace of your pupils and the materials available. Encourage pupils to think critically about why objects behave differently in water, and foster a supportive environment for group discussions.
