SS1 Physics Lesson Note – Measurements of Time, Length, and Weight
Date:
Class: SS1
Tutor:
Term: First Term
Subject: Physics
Sub-Subject: Measurement
Topic: Measurements of Time, Length, and Weight
Average Age: 14 – 15 years
Objectives: 1. Define measurement and explain its
importance in Physics.
2. Identify different instruments used in
measuring time, length, and weight.
3. State the SI units of time, length, and
weight.
4. Distinguish between mass and weight.
5. Demonstrate how to use some
measuring instruments.
6. Solve simple calculation problems on
weight.
Instructional Materials: - Metre rule, tape rule, vernier caliper,
micrometer screw gauge
- Stop watch / wall clock
- Spring balance, weighing scale
- Charts showing SI units of physical
quantities
Reference Materials: - New School Physics by M. Nelkon
- SS1 Physics Textbook by P. N. Okeke
- WAEC & NECO Physics Syllabus
Methodology: - Discussion method
- Demonstration method
- Guided discovery
Links with Previous Knowledge: Students already know that Physics is the
study of matter, energy, and their
interactions and that all studies in Physics
are based on accurate measurement.
ICT Link: Students can watch simulations on how to
use vernier caliper, micrometer screw
gauge, and stop watch using digital learning
platforms.
Starter: The teacher asks:
- How can you measure your height?
- How do you know the weight of your
school bag?
- How do you know the time for break?
Main Activity (Presentation): Step 1 – Introduction: Teacher introduces
the topic and explains that Physics depends
on accurate measurement of quantities.
Step 2 – Explanation of Measurement:
Measurement is the comparison of an
unknown quantity with a known standard
unit.
Step 3 – Measurement of Length: SI unit is
metre. Instruments: metre rule, tape rule,
vernier caliper, micrometer screw gauge.
Step 4 – Measurement of Time: SI unit is
second. Instruments: stop watch,
pendulum, clock.
Step 5 – Measurement of Weight: Weight =
mass × gravity. SI unit is Newton.
Instruments: spring balance, weighing
scale.
Step 6 – Class Activity: Students measure
length of desk, time for claps, and weight of
bag in groups.
Board Summary: MEASUREMENT: Act of comparing a
physical quantity with a standard unit.
Length:
- SI Unit: metre (m)
- Instruments: Metre rule, tape rule, vernier
caliper, micrometer screw gauge.
Time:
- SI Unit: second (s)
- Instruments: Clock, stop watch,
pendulum.
Weight:
- Weight = mass × g, SI Unit: Newton (N)
- Instruments: Spring balance, weighing
scale.
Importance: Ensures accuracy in science,
trade, sports, medicine, and engineering.
Summary: - Measurement compares an unknown
quantity with a known unit.
- Length → metre, measured with metre
rule/vernier caliper/micrometer screw
gauge.
- Time → second, measured with clock/stop
watch.
- Weight → Newton, measured with spring
balance.
- Accuracy is vital in all measurements.
Evaluation: 1. Define measurement.
2. State SI units of length, time, and weight.
3. Mention 4 instruments used in
measuring length.
4. Distinguish between mass and weight.
5. A man has a mass of 60 kg. Find his
weight on Earth (g = 9.8 m/s²).
Brain Teaser: If a student’s mass is 50 kg, what will be his
weight on the Moon where gravity is 1.6
m/s²?
Conclusion: The teacher emphasizes that time, length,
and weight are fundamental quantities in
Physics and must be measured accurately
with appropriate instruments.
