Class: Primary 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 9
Age: 8 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science & Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
Topic: Water – Qualities of Water
Content/Learning Areas:
- Water Quality: Defining clean and dirty water and different qualities of water.
- Contaminated Water: Understanding harmful substances in water
- Potable Water: Characteristics of safe drinking water
Performance Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
- Define potable water and contaminated water.
- Identify clean and dirty water from given examples.
- Classify water samples as potable or contaminated based on their characteristics.
- Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of using clean water for health.
- Express willingness to advocate for the use of potable water in daily life.
- Psychomotor Domain:
- Classify water samples correctly into clean, dirty, or muddy.
- Demonstrate the process of labeling water samples during hands-on activities.
- Social Domain:
- Discuss with peers the impact of contaminated water on health and the importance of clean water.
- Collaborate in group discussions and share ideas about water conservation and health.
Instructional Materials:
- Samples of water with different qualities (clean, dirty, muddy)
- Labels for water samples
- Whiteboard and markers
- Notebooks and pens
Rationale for the Lesson:
Understanding the difference between potable and contaminated water is crucial for students to appreciate the importance of using clean water for daily activities. This lesson aims to empower students with knowledge about water quality and its impact on their health.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge:
Students should already have a basic understanding of water as a substance they use daily and its importance in their lives.
Content of The Lesson:
Water Quality
Water quality refers to whether water is clean or dirty. Water can be safe to drink and use or contain harmful substances an considered contaminated (dirty).
Qualities of Water
Water can be classified based on its safety and cleanliness. The three main types are potable water, contaminated water, and clean water.
1. Potable Water (Safe Drinking Water)
Potable water is water that is safe for drinking and cooking. It has the following qualities:
- It is clear and colorless.
- It has no smell.
- It has no taste.
- It is free from germs and harmful substances.
- It is treated to remove dirt and bacteria.
Examples of Potable Water:
- Borehole water (if properly filtered)
- Bottled water
- Tap water from a treated source
2. Contaminated Water (Dirty and Unsafe Water)
Contaminated water is water that is not safe for drinking because it contains harmful substances. It has the following qualities:
- It may look cloudy, dirty, or colored.
- It may have a bad smell.
- It may have an unpleasant taste.
- It contains germs, chemicals, or waste.
- It can cause sickness when used for drinking.
Examples of Contaminated Water:
- Water from a dirty river or pond
- Stagnant water in open containers
- Water with oil, dirt, or waste in it
3. Clean Water (General-Purpose Water)
Clean water is water that looks clear but may not be safe for drinking. It has the following qualities:
- It may contain some minerals.
- It may not be treated to remove all germs.
- It is used for washing, cooking, and cleaning.
- It may require further treatment before drinking.
Examples of Clean Water:
- Rainwater collected in a clean container
- Well water before filtration
- Stream water that looks clear but is untreated
Potable water is safe for drinking, contaminated water is unsafe, and clean water can be used for general purposes but may not always be safe for drinking.
Instructional Procedures:
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
| Content Development | Time | Teaching Method | Teaching Strategy | Teacher’s Activity | Pupils’ Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Introduction | 5 mins | Discussion | Set induction | Ask students what they know about water and its uses. | Share thoughts about the importance of water. | Water is essential for life and health. |
| Step 2: Defining Potable Water | 5 mins | Explanation | Direct Instruction | Define potable water and explain its importance. | Listen to the definition of potable water. | Potable water is safe to drink. |
| Step 3: Defining Contaminated Water | 5 mins | Explanation | Direct Instruction | Define contaminated water and highlight its dangers. | Listen to the definition and consequences of contaminated water. | Contaminated water is unsafe and harmful. |
| Step 4: Observing Water Samples | 7 mins | Observation | Interactive Learning | Show different water samples and ask students to observe. | Observe and describe the samples. | Differentiating between clean and contaminated water. |
| Step 5: Class Discussion | 8 mins | Group Discussion | Collaborative Learning | Lead a discussion on why clean water is essential for health. | Discuss and ask questions about water quality. | The importance of clean water for health. |
| Step 6: Labeling Water Samples | 5 mins | Activity | Hands-on Learning | Give samples and labels to pupils for categorizing water as potable or contaminated. | Classify and label the samples accordingly. | Practical identification of water types. |
| Step 7: Note Taking | 5 mins | Note Taking | Reflection | Summarize lesson points for students to copy. | Write the summary and key points from the lesson. | Reinforcing understanding of key lesson concepts. |
| Step 8: Evaluation | 5 mins | Questioning | Evaluation | Ask students reflective questions on water quality. | Respond to the questions, demonstrating understanding. | Students can apply what they’ve learned about water quality. |
| Step 9: Conclusion | 5 mins | Recap & Reflection | Wrap-up | Recap the key points and remind students to always use clean water. | Reflect on the lesson and share thoughts about water safety. | Clean water is necessary for good health. |
Lesson Evaluation:
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks the following questions:
- What is potable water and why is it important?
- Can you explain what makes water contaminated?
- How can we make sure the water we use is safe?
- Why should we always choose clean water?
Differentiation:
- For struggling learners: Provide additional visuals and examples of clean and contaminated water. Allow extra time for observing and labeling the water samples.
- For advanced learners: Challenge them with questions about water treatment methods and the scientific processes behind making water safe for use.
Note to Teachers:
Ensure that students not only understand the definitions of water types but also grasp the real-life significance of using clean water for health and well-being. Customizing activities based on the resources available in your classroom will further enhance engagement and understanding.
