Living Things (Lesson note)


Subject: Basic Science
Class: JSS 2 (Grade 8)
Theme: Living and Non-Living Things
Topic: Living Things
Sub-topic: Division of Living Things, Human Uniqueness, and Human Intelligence
Period: 3 and 5on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Duration: 40 Minutes
Date: To be inserted by teacher
Teacher’s Name: To be inserted by the teacher


Performance Objectives

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. List the five kingdoms into which living things are classified. (Cognitive Domain – Knowledge / Lower Order)
  2. Describe at least three characteristics that make humans unique among other living things. (Cognitive Domain – Comprehension / Middle Order)
  3. Explain two practical ways humans use intelligence to solve problems. (Cognitive Domain – Application / Higher Order)
  4. Analyze how human intelligence (e.g. reasoning, problem-solving, inquisitiveness, observation) contributes to scientific discoveries. (Cognitive Domain – Analysis & Synthesis / Higher Order)

Instructional Materials

  • Flashcards showing different organisms
  • Classification chart (Five kingdoms)
  • Short video/storyboard of humans solving real-life problems
  • Objects for observation (e.g., leaves, stones, plastic toys, insects)
  • Whiteboard and marker

Reference Materials

  • NERDC Basic Science and Technology Textbook for JSS 2
  • Teacher’s Guide
  • Other reputable Basic Science textbooks

Previous Knowledge

Students can distinguish between living and non-living things and have seen various plants, animals, and microorganisms.


Entry Behavior

Students are aware that there are different types of living things and that humans can think and create things.


Lesson Development


️ STEP 1: Introduction (5 Minutes)

Teacher’s Activities:

  • Greet the students cheerfully.
  • Ask leading questions:
    • “What is the difference between a goat and a chair?”
    • “Is a mango tree the same as a mushroom?”
  • Connect to the topic:
    • “Today, we’ll be learning how living things are grouped, what makes human beings special, and how we use our brains to solve problems.”

Students’ Activities:

  • Respond to questions
  • Show interest in the topic

Teaching Method: Question and answer
Learning Domain: Affective (Interest, Motivation)


✅ Objective 1: List the five kingdoms into which living things are classified

Time Allocation: 5 Minutes
Domain: Cognitive – Knowledge (Lower Order)


Instructional Content

  • Living things are classified into five kingdoms:
    1. Monera – e.g., bacteria
    2. Protista – e.g., amoeba, algae
    3. Fungi – e.g., mushrooms, mould
    4. Plantae – all green plants
    5. Animalia – all animals, including humans
  • Classification helps scientists study and understand organisms better.

Teacher’s Activities

  • Display and explain a classification chart
  • Use flashcards to show examples of organisms in each kingdom
  • Write the kingdoms on the board and lead pronunciation with students

Students’ Activities

  • Copy the kingdoms into their notebooks
  • Repeat the names of the kingdoms aloud
  • Identify organisms on flashcards and say their kingdoms

Evaluation Questions

  • List the five kingdoms of living things.
  • Give one example of an organism in the Fungi kingdom.

✅ Objective 2: Describe at least three characteristics that make humans unique among other living things

Time Allocation: 5 Minutes
Domain: Cognitive – Comprehension (Middle Order)


Instructional Content

Humans are unique among living things due to the following characteristics:

  1. Advanced reasoning ability – We can think deeply and plan ahead.
  2. Language and communication – We use complex spoken and written language.
  3. Ability to invent and create – We make tools, technology, and build cities.
  4. Moral and emotional intelligence – We show empathy, culture, and make laws.

Teacher’s Activities

  • Ask: “Can animals build airplanes or write books?”
  • Discuss each unique feature of humans with simple examples:
    • Planning an event
    • Writing an essay
    • Using a mobile phone

Students’ Activities

  • Participate in discussions
  • Write down 3 characteristics of human uniqueness
  • Give examples of what only humans can do

Evaluation Questions

  • Mention two things that make humans different from animals.
  • Why is the ability to use language important?

✅ Objective 3: Explain two practical ways humans use intelligence to solve problems

Time Allocation: 7 Minutes
Domain: Cognitive – Application (Higher Order)


Instructional Content

Human intelligence allows us to solve real-life problems such as:

  1. Transportation Problems → Solution: Inventing cars, bicycles, aeroplanes
  2. Water Shortage → Solution: Digging boreholes, creating water purifiers
  3. Communication → Solution: Creating phones, internet
  4. Electricity problems → Solution: Using solar panels, generators

Teacher’s Activities

  • Tell a story: “In a village with no light, students couldn’t read at night until someone installed solar panels.”
  • Ask: “What was the problem? What was the solution?”
  • Guide students to share their own examples

Students’ Activities

  • Share how they’ve solved problems using their intelligence
  • Write down two practical examples
  • Participate actively in group discussion

Evaluation Questions

  • How can intelligence help us solve environmental problems?
  • Give two ways you’ve used intelligence to solve a problem.

✅ Objective 4: Analyze how human intelligence contributes to scientific discoveries

Time Allocation: 8 Minutes
Domain: Cognitive – Analysis & Synthesis (Higher Order)


Instructional Content

Human intelligence includes:

  • Reasoning – logical thinking
  • Problem Solving – creating solutions
  • Inquisitiveness – asking why, how, what
  • Observation – watching details carefully

These are key to scientific discoveries, e.g.:

  • Discovery of gravity (by observation)
  • Development of vaccines (by problem-solving)
  • Invention of computers (by reasoning and creativity)

Teacher’s Activities

  • Define the terms clearly
  • Display 4 different objects (leaf, stone, insect, pencil)
  • Ask students to observe, ask questions, and analyse:
    • “Which of these is living?”
    • “What do you notice?”

Students’ Activities

  • Observe the materials carefully
  • Ask questions
  • Share what they discover
  • Discuss how these skills help scientists

Evaluation Questions

  • What is observation, and how is it used in science?
  • How does inquisitiveness lead to scientific innovation?

🔚 STEP 3: Evaluation (5 Minutes)

Teacher’s Activities:

  • Ask questions based on the four objectives

Question

Objective

What are the five kingdoms of living things?

1

List two things that make humans unique.

2

State one way you have used intelligence to solve a real-life problem.

3

Explain why observation is important in science.

4

Students’ Activities:

  • Respond orally or write in their notebooks

🔚 STEP 4: Conclusion (2–3 Minutes)

Teacher’s Activities:

  • Summarize the lesson:
    • Living things are classified into five kingdoms
    • Humans are unique because of reasoning and creativity
    • Intelligence helps us solve problems and make discoveries
    • Skills like observation and inquisitiveness are essential in science
  • Encourage students to use their intelligence positively

Students’ Activities:

  • Say what they learned
  • Ask final questions

📚 Assignment

Instruction:
List five examples of how humans have used intelligence to solve problems in science or technology. Use full sentences. Submit in the next class.


 


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