Subject: Basic Science and Technology (BST)
Class: Primary 3
Topic: Forms of Technology III
Sub-topic: Characteristics of Underdeveloped Technology
Term: Third Term
Week: 4
Duration: 40 minutes
A. Lesson Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Explain what underdeveloped technology is.
Identify and list the characteristics of underdeveloped technology.
Mention examples of underdeveloped tools.
Compare underdeveloped technology with developed technology.
B. Instructional Materials
Real objects or pictures of traditional tools (e.g., grinding stone, broom, hoe, clay pot)
Chart comparing underdeveloped and developed tools
Flashcards with key terms (manual, slow, simple, traditional)
Blackboard and chalk or whiteboard and markers
C. Lesson Content
1. What is Underdeveloped Technology?
Underdeveloped technology refers to old, local, or traditional tools that people used in the past to do work.
These tools are simple and do not need electricity or fuel to work.
They rely mostly on human energy.
2. Characteristics of Underdeveloped Technology
Below are the main features or characteristics of underdeveloped technology:
| Characteristic | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1. Simple tools | The tools are made with local or natural materials (e.g., wood, stone). |
| 2. Manual effort | People use their hands and body strength to operate them. |
| 3. Time-consuming | Work is usually slow and takes more time. |
| 4. No electricity or fuel used | These tools work without power, machines, or engines. |
| 5. Low efficiency | They do not work as fast or neatly as modern machines. |
| 6. Easily made or repaired | Most of the tools can be made or fixed by local craftsmen. |
3. Examples of Underdeveloped Technology
| Activity | Underdeveloped Tool |
|---|---|
| Cooking | Firewood stove, clay pot |
| Grinding food | Grinding stone |
| Sweeping | Local broom |
| Farming | Hoe, cutlass |
| Fetching water | Clay pot, calabash |
| Weaving | Hand loom |
4. Comparison with Developed Technology
| Feature | Underdeveloped Tech | Developed Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | Human strength | Electricity, fuel |
| Speed of work | Slow | Fast |
| Materials used | Local and natural | Metal, plastic, advanced parts |
| Example (Grinding) | Grinding stone | Electric blender |
D. Class Activities
Activity 1: Show and Identify
Show real tools or images. Pupils identify if they are underdeveloped and state one characteristic.
Activity 2: Sorting Game
Give pupils pictures of tools. Let them sort into two groups: “Underdeveloped” and “Developed.”
E. Evaluation (Assessment)
What is underdeveloped technology?
Mention two characteristics of underdeveloped technology.
List three examples of underdeveloped tools.
Does a grinding stone use electricity?
What is one difference between a broom and a vacuum cleaner?
F. Assignment
Draw and name two underdeveloped tools.
Write one characteristic of each tool you drew.
G. Conclusion
Underdeveloped technology uses simple tools that rely on human effort.
These tools are common in rural areas and in the past.
They are useful but slower and less efficient than developed tools.
Knowing them helps us appreciate how technology has improved over time.
