• Class: Primary 6
  • Term: 2nd Term
  • Week: 4
  • Age: 11 years
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Subject: Basic Science And Technology
  • Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
  • Previous Lesson: Meaning and Effects of Friction
  • Topic: Advantages and Disadvantages of Frictional Force
  • Content: Advantages and Disadvantages of Frictional Force

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  • Cognitive Domain: Define frictional force and list five advantages and five disadvantages of frictional force.
  • Affective Domain: Appreciate the importance of friction in daily life activities.
  • Psychomotor Domain: Identify examples of frictional force during a class demonstration.
  • Social Domain: Discuss how friction affects teamwork in games and sports.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:


Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • A wooden block and sandpaper
  • A smooth and rough surface
  • Pictures of activities involving friction
  • A video clip showing the effects of friction

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding frictional force helps pupils recognize its advantages and disadvantages in daily life. This knowledge is essential for solving practical problems and improving efficiency in tasks like moving objects, driving, and sports.


Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are familiar with basic concepts of motion and have observed how objects slide or stop when pushed.


Lesson Content

Advantages and Disadvantages of Frictional Force

Frictional force is the resistance force that opposes the motion of objects in contact with each other.

Advantages of Frictional Force:

  1. It helps in walking by providing grip between shoes and the ground.
  2. Friction allows vehicles to stop when brakes are applied.
  3. It enables writing on paper using pencils or pens.
  4. It helps in lighting a matchstick.
  5. Friction between machine parts generates necessary heat for some processes.

Disadvantages of Frictional Force:

  1. It causes wear and tear of machine parts.
  2. Friction reduces the efficiency of moving objects by opposing motion.
  3. It generates unwanted heat in engines, leading to energy loss.
  4. Friction makes it difficult to move heavy objects over rough surfaces.
  5. Excessive friction can damage surfaces, such as tires or shoe soles.

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Content DevelopmentTimeTeaching MethodTeaching StrategyTeacher’s ActivityPupils’ ActivityLearning Point
Step 1: Introduction5 minsSet inductionQuestion and answerAsks pupils to recall their experiences of objects sliding or stopping when pushed.Share their experiences.Friction opposes motion.
Step 2: Explanation10 minsExplanationVisual aidsExplains frictional force using examples and shows images of activities involving friction.Observe and listen.Friction affects daily activities.
Step 3: Demonstration7 minsPracticalHands-on activityDemonstrates friction using sandpaper, a wooden block, and smooth surfaces.Participate in the demonstration.Friction occurs between surfaces.
Step 4: Note-taking5 minsGuided writingDirect instructionGuides pupils to write down the advantages and disadvantages of friction.Copy notes.Advantages and disadvantages of friction.
Step 5: Evaluation5 minsQuestioningInteractive discussionAsks questions to test understanding of the topic.Answer questions.Reinforce learning.
Step 6: Conclusion3 minsRecapSummarySummarizes the lesson by reiterating key points.Listen attentively.Friction has pros and cons.

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

  1. Define frictional force.
  2. List three advantages of friction.
  3. Mention three disadvantages of friction.
  4. Explain how friction helps in stopping a moving car.
  5. Describe one situation where friction is a disadvantage.

Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan

Ensure the demonstration is engaging by involving pupils. Encourage them to relate the concept of friction to their daily activities. Allow time for questions and discussions to promote understanding. Happy teaching!

Last Update: January 25, 2025