Class: Primary 4
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 3
Age: 9 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Technology
Previous Lesson: Forms of Energy - Mechanical Energy & Electrical Energy
Topic: CHEMICAL FORM OF ENERGY
Content/Learning Area: Chemical –e.g battery cell, Solar energy- e.g sun
Performance Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
- Identify at least three sources of chemical energy in their environment
- Explain how chemical energy is stored and released in batteries
- Describe how solar energy from the sun is converted into other forms of energy
- Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of chemical energy in daily life
- Show interest in conserving energy sources
- Develop awareness about renewable and non-renewable energy sources
- Psychomotor Domain:
- Demonstrate how a battery-powered device works
- Construct a simple model showing how chemical energy is converted to other forms
- Social Domain:
- Collaborate effectively with peers during group activities
- Share ideas about energy conservation practices at home and school
Reference Materials:
The following resources was used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Information from: Wikipedia – Chemical energy
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials:
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Various battery types (AA, AAA, button cell, 9V)
- Battery-operated toys and flashlights
- Charts showing different energy sources
- Pictures of solar panels and their applications
- Simple materials for classroom demonstration (lemon, copper wire, zinc nail)
- Videos showing chemical reactions releasing energy
- Solar-powered calculators
Rationale for the Lesson:
Understanding chemical energy helps pupils recognize how stored energy in batteries and food powers their daily activities, from toys to their own bodies, fostering appreciation for energy conservation and sustainable practices.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge:
Pupils should already understand the concept of energy as the ability to do work and be familiar with basic forms of energy like heat and light from previous lessons in Primary 3.
Lesson Content:
What is Chemical Energy?
Chemical energy is a form of energy that is stored in the bonds between atoms and molecules. It is the energy held within substances that can be released through chemical reactions. Chemical energy is all around us – in the food we eat, the batteries we use, and even in the sun that shines on us.
When chemical bonds break or form during chemical reactions, energy is either released or absorbed. For example, when we eat food, our bodies break down the chemical bonds in the food to release energy that helps us move, think, and grow.
Chemical Energy in Batteries
Batteries are common sources of chemical energy that we use every day. A battery contains chemicals that produce electrons (tiny particles with electrical charge). These chemicals are stored inside the battery in sections called electrodes.
There are two main types of batteries:
- Primary batteries: These can only be used once and then discarded (like AA or AAA batteries)
- Secondary batteries: These can be recharged and used multiple times (like the batteries in mobile phones)
When a battery is connected to a device, a chemical reaction occurs inside the battery. This reaction causes electrons to flow from one end of the battery to the other through the device, creating electricity that powers the device.
In a simple torch battery, there are chemicals like zinc and manganese dioxide that react together to produce electrical energy. When the chemicals are used up, the battery stops working.
Solar Energy from the Sun
The sun is our most important natural source of energy. The sun produces energy through a process called nuclear fusion, where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing enormous amounts of energy.
Solar energy reaches Earth in the form of light and heat. Plants capture this energy and convert it into chemical energy through a process called photosynthesis. This is how plants make their food!
Humans have developed solar panels to capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity. Solar panels contain special materials that release electrons when sunlight hits them, creating an electric current.
Solar energy is a renewable source of energy because we cannot use up the sun’s energy, unlike the chemicals in a battery which eventually get used up.
Chemical Energy in Our Daily Life
Chemical energy is important in our daily lives in many ways:
- The food we eat contains chemical energy that our bodies use
- Batteries in our toys, clocks, and remote controls use chemical energy
- Fuels like petrol and kerosene contain chemical energy that is released when they burn
- Candles use chemical energy stored in wax to produce light and heat
Converting Chemical Energy to Other Forms
Chemical energy can be converted to other forms of energy:
- Chemical energy in food → kinetic energy (movement)
- Chemical energy in batteries → electrical energy → light energy (in torches)
- Chemical energy in fuel → heat energy (when cooking)
- Chemical energy in fireworks → light, sound, and heat energy
Teaching Methods:
to deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Demonstration, Explanation, Visual Aids, Group Work, Question and Answer, Hands-on Activities
Instructional Procedures:
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
| Content Development | Time | Teaching Skills | Teacher’s Activity | Pupils’ Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Introduction | 5 mins | Set Induction | Teacher begins by showing pupils a battery-operated toy and asks, “What makes this toy work?” Then asks pupils to name other items that use batteries. | Pupils respond by naming items that use batteries like clocks, remote controls, toys, etc. | Energy is needed to make things work. |
| Step 2: Explanation of Chemical Energy | 7 mins | Explanation, Visual aids | Teacher explains what chemical energy is using charts and simple language. Shows different types of batteries and explains their parts and how they store chemical energy. | Pupils observe the different batteries and listen to the explanation. They ask questions about what they observe. | Chemical energy is stored in substances and can be released through chemical reactions. |
| Step 3: Demonstration of Battery Operation | 6 mins | Demonstration | Teacher demonstrates how a battery powers a flashlight and explains the conversion of chemical energy to light energy. | Pupils observe the demonstration and take turns turning the flashlight on and off. | Chemical energy in batteries can be converted to other forms of energy. |
| Step 4: Solar Energy Discussion | 6 mins | Discussion, Visual aids | Teacher displays pictures of the sun and solar panels, and discusses how solar energy works and how it differs from batteries. | Pupils participate in the discussion by sharing what they know about the sun and solar energy. | The sun is a powerful source of energy that can be converted to other forms. |
| Step 5: Group Activity | 7 mins | Group Work | Teacher divides pupils into groups and asks each group to sort picture cards into “chemical energy sources” and “other energy sources.” | Pupils work in groups to sort the cards and discuss their reasoning with group members. | There are many different sources of energy around us. |
| Step 6: Note Taking | 4 mins | Supervision | Teacher writes key points on the board and guides pupils in writing down important information in their notebooks. | Pupils copy notes in their notebooks. | Chemical energy is stored in batteries and the sun is a source of solar energy. |
| Step 7: Evaluation | 3 mins | Question and Answer | Teacher asks evaluation questions to check understanding of key concepts. | Pupils raise their hands to answer questions. | Assessment of learning outcomes. |
| Step 8: Conclusion | 2 mins | Cognitive Closure | Teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and connects the topic to everyday life. | Pupils listen and ask any final questions. | Chemical energy is important in our daily lives and can be found in batteries and solar energy. |
Lesson Evaluation:
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Name three items in your home that use chemical energy from batteries.
- Explain in your own words what happens inside a battery when it powers a device.
- Draw and label a simple diagram showing how solar energy from the sun reaches the Earth.
- List two ways chemical energy can be changed into other forms of energy.
- In small groups, create a poster showing different sources of chemical energy.
Differentiation:
Visual learners will benefit from the charts and demonstrations, while kinesthetic learners will engage with the hands-on battery activities. For struggling learners, paired work with more capable peers will provide support. Advanced learners can be challenged to explain more complex energy transformations.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan:
Ensure safety when handling batteries during demonstrations. Do not allow pupils to open or damage batteries. Consider collecting used batteries from home to demonstrate the importance of proper disposal. The lesson can be extended by discussing energy conservation or conducting a simple lemon battery experiment in a follow-up class.