Primary 4 Basic Science Second Term Lesson Note — Complete Scheme of Work & Week-by-Week Notes

Basic Science & Technology | Primary 4 | Second Term | All Topics Fully Covered

📋 Primary 4 Basic Science Second Term Lesson Note — Scheme of Work

Week 1

Light Energy

Sub-topic: Sources and Properties of Light  |  Duration: 40 Minutes  |  This Primary 4 Basic Science Second Term lesson note covers light energy, natural and artificial sources, properties of light, shadows, and the importance of light.  |  Related: Week 2 – Basic Electricity →

Instructional Materials

A functional flashlight or torch; a candle and matches; a wall mirror for reflection; transparent glass and opaque cardboard; large charts showing the sun and stars; a prism to show light splitting into colors.

Definition of Light Energy

Light is a form of energy that enables us to see things around us. In fact, it is the only form of energy that is visible to the human eye. Without light, therefore, we would be in total darkness and unable to perform our daily tasks.

Sources of Light

Properties of Light

1. Light travels in a straight line: This is why we cannot see around corners.
2. Light can be reflected: This is the bouncing back of light when it hits a shiny surface like a mirror.
3. Light can be refracted: This is the bending of light as it moves from one material to another, such as from air to water.
4. Light consists of seven colors: When passed through a prism, white light splits into the colors of the rainbow.

How Shadows Are Formed

A shadow is a dark area formed when an opaque object blocks the path of light. Because light travels in straight lines and cannot bend around the object, a dark shape is cast on the surface behind it.

Importance of Light

• Photosynthesis: Green plants use sunlight to produce food for themselves and for us.
• Vision: It allows humans and animals to see and move safely.
• Health: Sunlight provides Vitamin D, which is important for skin and bone health.
• Warmth: Sunlight provides heat energy to the earth.

Lesson Presentation

• Step 1 – Introduction: The teacher turns off the lights or closes the curtains to show the effect of darkness before introducing light energy.
• Step 2 – Explanation: The teacher explains the difference between natural and artificial sources and demonstrates how light travels in a straight line using a torch.
• Step 3 – Pupil Participation: Pupils look into a mirror to observe reflection and use their hands to create different shadow shapes on the wall.
• Step 4 – Evaluation and Conclusion: The teacher summarizes the properties of light and asks questions to ensure pupils understand the importance of the sun.

Week 2

Basic Electricity

Sub-topic: Sources, Conductors, and Safety  |  Week 2 of the Primary 4 Basic Science Second Term lesson note.  |  Related: ← Week 1  |  Week 3 →

Instructional Materials

A dry cell (battery); small electric bulb and bulb holder; connecting wires; samples of conductors (nail, spoon) and insulators (rubber band, plastic ruler); a simple switch; charts showing common household electrical appliances.

Definition of Electricity

Electricity is a form of energy resulting from the flow of electric charges. As a result, it is one of the most powerful and useful forms of energy we know. In particular, it powers our lights, fans, televisions, and many other machines we depend on every day.

Sources of Electrical Energy

• Batteries (Dry cells): Used in torches and remote controls.
• Electric Generators: Used when there is no power from the main supply.
• Hydro-electric Power: Electricity produced from flowing water (e.g., Kainji Dam in Nigeria).
• Solar Panels: Electricity produced from sunlight.
• Power Stations: Large facilities that distribute electricity to our homes and schools.

Conductors and Insulators

Electrical Appliances in the Home

• Lighting: Electric bulbs and fluorescent tubes
• Heating: Electric kettles, irons, and cookers
• Cooling: Fans, air conditioners, and refrigerators
• Entertainment: Televisions, radios, and computers

Safety Rules with Electricity

1. Never touch electrical switches or sockets with wet hands.
2. Do not poke objects like wires or nails into sockets.
3. Avoid overloading sockets by plugging too many appliances into one point.
4. Do not play near fallen electric poles or wires.
5. Always switch off appliances when they are not in use.

Lesson Presentation

• Step 1 – Introduction: The teacher asks pupils how they watch television or get light at night, then introduces electricity as the power behind these actions.
• Step 2 – Explanation: The teacher explains the sources of electricity and uses instructional materials to show the difference between a battery and a conductor.
• Step 3 – Pupil Participation: Pupils touch the rubber part of a wire (insulator) and the metal part (conductor) and list appliances they have at home.
• Step 4 – Evaluation and Conclusion: The teacher asks pupils to state safety rules and summarizes by emphasizing the importance of using electricity carefully.

Week 3

Sound Energy

Sub-topic: Sources and Transmission of Sound  |  Week 3 of the Primary 4 Basic Science Second Term lesson note.  |  Related: ← Week 2  |  Week 4 →

Instructional Materials

A drum and a bell; a guitar or rubber bands stretched over a box; a tuning fork; two plastic cups and a long string (to make a string telephone); a whistle; a bowl of water to show sound waves.

Definition of Sound Energy

Sound is a form of energy that we hear with our ears. It is produced when an object moves back and forth very quickly. This fast back-and-forth movement is called vibration. In other words, without vibration, there can be no sound.

How Sound Is Produced

• Striking: Hitting a surface like a drum or a gong.
• Plucking: Pulling and releasing strings like those on a guitar.
• Blowing: Forcing air into an instrument like a whistle, flute, or trumpet.
• Rubbing: Moving two objects against each other, such as a bow against violin strings.

How Sound Travels

Sound travels in waves and requires a medium (material) to move from one place to another. It cannot travel through a vacuum because there are no particles to vibrate.

Loud and Soft Sounds / Noise Pollution

The volume of a sound depends on how much energy is used to create the vibration. For example, loud sounds come from strong vibrations such as thunder or shouting. In contrast, soft sounds come from weak vibrations such as a whisper or the steady ticking of a clock.

Noise pollution is any loud, unpleasant sound that disturbs our peace. As a result, continuous exposure to noise — from car horns, generators, or very loud music — can seriously damage our hearing over time.

Lesson Presentation

• Step 1 – Introduction: The teacher asks pupils to close their eyes and identify different sounds they hear in the classroom or outside.
• Step 2 – Explanation: The teacher explains that all these sounds are caused by vibrations and demonstrates using a ruler or rubber band.
• Step 3 – Pupil Participation: Pupils take turns speaking into a cup-and-string telephone to feel the vibrations and hear how sound travels through the string.
• Step 4 – Evaluation and Conclusion: The teacher summarizes the lesson by listing the states of matter sound can pass through and explains the difference between music and noise.

Week 4

Heat Energy

Sub-topic: Sources and Effects of Heat  |  Week 4 of the Primary 4 Basic Science Second Term lesson note.  |  Related: ← Week 3  |  Week 5 – Mid-Term Exam (Premium) →

Instructional Materials

A clinical thermometer; a candle or spirit lamp; a metal rod and a wooden stick; a bowl of hot water and a bowl of cold water; charts showing the sun and people cooking; a piece of cloth or paper.

Definition of Heat Energy

Heat is a form of energy that flows from a hot object to a cold object. Therefore, it makes us feel warm when we stand near a fire or sit in the sun. When an object gains heat, its temperature rises; in contrast, when it loses heat, it becomes cool.

Related BST Lessons (Primary 4):

• 👉 BST First Term
• 👉 BST Second Term
• 👉 BST Third Term

Sources of Heat

• The Sun: The natural and primary source of heat for the earth.
• Friction: Heat produced by rubbing two things together (like rubbing your palms quickly).
• Electricity: Heat from appliances like electric irons and heaters.
• Burning Fuels: Heat from burning wood, charcoal, gas, or kerosene.

Heat vs. Temperature

Effects of Heat on Objects

1. Increase in Temperature: The object becomes hotter to the touch.
2. Change of State: Heat can turn ice (solid) into water (liquid), or water into steam (gas).
3. Expansion: Most objects become bigger when heated. This is why railway tracks have gaps between them.
4. Burning: Too much heat can cause materials like paper or wood to catch fire and turn to ash.

Uses of Heat and Safety Rules

Heat is used every day for cooking food, drying clothes and crops in the sun, ironing clothes, and keeping our bodies warm. However, we must handle heat safely:

1. Never play with matches, lighters, or fire.
2. Do not touch hot pots or irons with bare hands — always use a pot holder.
3. Stay a safe distance away from open fires or gas cookers while they are in use.
4. If someone gets a minor burn, put the area under cool running water immediately.

Lesson Presentation

• Step 1 – Introduction: The teacher asks pupils to rub their palms together quickly and describe what they feel, introducing heat through friction.
• Step 2 – Explanation: The teacher explains the various sources of heat and demonstrates how to read a thermometer using warm water.
• Step 3 – Pupil Participation: Pupils identify objects in the classroom that might be affected by heat and discuss why we use heat at home.
• Step 4 – Evaluation and Conclusion: The teacher summarizes the effects of heat and reminds pupils of the importance of fire safety at home and school.