
Lesson Plan for Primary Six (First Term)
Subject: Basic Technology
Class: Primary Six
Week of the First Term: 8th Week
Topic: Properties of Metals and Plastics
Sub-Topic: (i) Characteristics of Ferrous Metals (Containing Iron) (ii) Common Products Made from Metal (Razor Blades, Pots) (iii) Common Products Made from Plastic (Kegs, Bowls)
Instructional Objectives
At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Describe the key characteristics of ferrous metals and their common uses.
- Identify and name common products made from metal and explain their uses.
- Recognize and list common products made from plastic and their applications.
Entry Behaviour
Pupils should already be familiar with basic concepts of materials used in everyday items and have a general understanding of different types of materials.
Instructional Materials
- Textbook: Foundations of Sci. & Tech for Basic Educ Book 6.
- Visual Aids: Charts or posters showing different metals and plastics with examples of products made from each.
- Sample Products: Examples of metal items (e.g., a razor blade, a pot) and plastic items (e.g., a keg, a bowl).
Reference Materials
- Ijiyemi, C. (2016). Foundations of Sci. & Tech for Basic Educ Book 6. Lagos: Metropolitan Publishers.
- Oyinlola, M., Rahaman, B., & Ezeume, I. (2015). Basic Science and Technology For Primary School 6 Textbook (Bec Edition). Lagos: Spectrum Book Limited.
Content
- Characteristics of Ferrous Metals (Containing Iron)
Ferrous metals are metals that primarily contain iron. They are widely used in various industries due to their strength, durability, and versatility. Here are some key characteristics of ferrous metals:
1. Magnetic Properties: Most ferrous metals are magnetic. This property is due to the presence of iron in their composition. Example: Iron and steel are commonly used in applications where magnetic properties are beneficial, such as in electrical motors and transformers.
2. Strength and Durability: Ferrous metals are known for their high strength and durability. They can withstand significant mechanical stress and wear. Example: Steel, a common ferrous metal, is used in construction, automotive, and machinery industries due to its strength and longevity.
3. Corrosion Resistance: Ferrous metals are prone to corrosion, especially when exposed to moisture and air. They often require protective coatings or treatments to prevent rusting. Example: Carbon steel, when not properly coated or treated, can rust quickly. Stainless steel, which contains chromium, is more resistant to corrosion.
4. Malleability and Ductility: Many ferrous metals are malleable (can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets) and ductile (can be drawn into wires). This makes them suitable for various forming processes. Example: Mild steel is highly malleable and ductile, making it easy to shape and fabricate.
5. Heat Treatment Capability: Ferrous metals can be heat-treated to improve their properties, such as hardness, strength, and toughness. Heat treatments include processes like annealing, quenching, and tempering. Example: Tool steels are heat-treated to enhance their hardness and wear resistance for use in cutting tools.
6. Cost-Effectiveness: Ferrous metals are generally more cost-effective compared to non-ferrous metals. They are abundant and relatively inexpensive to produce. Example: Carbon steel is less expensive than many non-ferrous metals, making it a popular choice for structural applications.
- Common Products Made from Metal:
1. Razor Blades: Razor blades are often made from stainless steel due to its sharpness, corrosion resistance, and ability to maintain a keen edge. Stainless steel’s resistance to rust and its ability to be sharpened make it ideal for precision cutting tools like razor blades. Metal Used: Stainless Steel
2. Cutlery (Knives, Forks, Spoons): Cutlery is typically made from stainless steel because it is resistant to staining and rusting, easy to clean, and maintains a sharp edge for knives. Metal Used: Stainless Steel
3. Kitchen Utensils (Spatulas, Ladles): Kitchen utensils are made from metals that are resistant to heat and corrosion. Stainless steel is common for its durability and resistance to damage from acidic foods, while aluminum is lightweight and also resistant to heat. Metal Used: Stainless Steel, Aluminum
4. Tools (Hammers, Wrenches, Screwdrivers): Tools are made from various types of steel due to its hardness and durability. Carbon steel and alloy steel are often used for their strength and resistance to wear and impact. Metal Used: Steel (Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel)
5. Automotive Parts (Engines, Wheels, Exhaust Systems): Automotive parts require metals with high strength and durability. Steel and aluminum are used for their strength-to-weight ratios, while cast iron is used for engine blocks due to its excellent wear resistance. Metal Used: Steel, Aluminum, Cast Iron
6. Electrical Appliances (Toasters, Mixers): Electrical appliances often use metals like stainless steel and aluminum for their parts due to their ability to conduct electricity and resist heat. Stainless steel is used for its aesthetic appeal and resistance to corrosion. Metal Used: Stainless Steel, Aluminum
7. Construction Materials (Beams, Pipes, Nails): Construction materials require metals with high strength and durability. Steel beams and pipes are used for structural support, while nails and screws are used for fastening. Metal Used: Steel, Iron
8. Furniture (Metal Frames, Chairs): Metal frames and components in furniture provide strength and durability. Steel is often used for its robustness, while aluminum is used for its lightweight properties. Metal Used: Steel, Aluminum
9. Jewelry (Rings, Necklaces): Jewelry is often made from precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum due to their aesthetic appeal, malleability, and resistance to tarnish Metal Used: Gold, Silver, Platinum
Common Products Made from Plastic
Plastics are versatile materials used in a wide range of products due to their durability, flexibility, and affordability. Here are some common products made from various types of plastics:
1. Kegs: Plastic kegs are used for storing and dispensing liquids such as beverages. HDPE and polypropylene are favored for their strength, resistance to impact, and ability to withstand chemicals. These materials are also lightweight, making them easier to handle compared to metal kegs. Plastic Used: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP)
2. Bowls: Plastic bowls are commonly used for serving food and beverages. Plastic Used: Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Melamine
3. Bottles: Plastic bottles are widely used for packaging beverages, cleaning products, and personal care items. Plastic Used: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
4. Containers: Plastic containers are used for storing food, liquids, and other items. They come in various shapes and sizes and are valued for their convenience and durability. Polypropylene is often used for its resistance to heat and chemicals. Plastic Used: Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE)
5. Toys: Plastic toys are made from durable and impact-resistant plastics. ABS is used for its strength and rigidity, while polycarbonate is used for its toughness and clarity, making it suitable for items requiring high impact resistance. Plastic Used: Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
6. Packaging Materials: Plastic packaging materials, such as bags, wraps, and films, are used for protecting and preserving products. PE is used for its flexibility, PP for its strength, and PVC for its rigidity and resistance to moisture. Plastic Used: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
7. Furniture: Plastic furniture is often used in outdoor and casual settings due to its resistance to weather and ease of maintenance. Polypropylene is used for its durability and resistance to impact, while acrylic is used for its clarity and aesthetic appeal. Plastic Used: Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Acrylic
8. Electrical Insulation: Plastics are used for insulating electrical wires and cables. PVC and PS are used for their excellent insulating properties and resistance to electrical conductivity. Plastic Used: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS)
9. Personal Care Items: Personal care items, such as toothbrushes, combs, and razors, are made from plastics due to their ability to be molded into various shapes and their resistance to water and chemicals. Plastic Used: Various plastics such as Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP)
10. Household Items: Household items such as storage bins, laundry baskets, and kitchen utensils are commonly made from various types of plastics due to their durability, ease of cleaning, and versatility. Plastic Used: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS)
Step 1: Introduction
Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure)
Others removed.
