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.

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Lesson Note On Water – Floatation (Basic 2)