Basic Science lesson notes for Basic 1–6 & JSS1–JSS3

What students learn

By the end of JSS3, a student who has worked through these notes should be able to:

• Describe the characteristics of living things and sort non living things into groups such as metals and non metals
• Explain how living things adapt to their habitats and relate to other organisms in the same environment
• Describe human growth, puberty and reproduction, and explain the effects of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
• Identify the causes and effects of soil erosion, flooding, bush burning, deforestation and desertification
• Distinguish between potential and kinetic energy, and explain heat transfer and boiling using the kinetic theory
• Explain basic ideas about light, sound, magnetism and electrical energy, including conductors and non conductors
• Calculate gravitational force and describe weightlessness, space travel and the use of satellites
• State the dangers of drug and substance abuse and the safety measures for handling chemicals

What each class covers

Every topic is a separate lesson note, listed here in teaching order. Open any topic, or the term, to read it.

Basic 1 Basic Science 30 notes

First Term 13 notes

• Living Things
• Living Things II
• Non-Living Things
• Energy I
• Movement (Catching)
• Energy II
• Monitor and Mouse
• Safety
• Energy III
• Sports and Games (Athletics)
• Energy IV
• Water
• and 1 more

Second Term 8 notes

• Air
• Demonstrating Air in Space
• Soil
• Soil II: Importance & Things Found in Soil
• Light Energy, Uses of Light and Colour
• Colour Identification 1: Colours of Objects
• Colour Identification II: Road Traffic Light Signs
• Colour Identification III: Road Markings

Third Term 9 notes

• Simple Machines
• Simple Machines: The Safe Use of Simple Machines
• Concept of Technology
• Technology in Home: Electric Gadgets
• Technology in Transportation: Land and Air
• What Is Water Transportation?
• Exploring Your Environment I
• Exploring Your Environment II
• Exploring Your Environment III

Basic 2 Basic Science 27 notes

First Term 11 notes

• Living and Non-Living Things
• The Senses
• The Senses: Sight
• The Senses: Hearing
• The Senses: Smell
• The Senses: Taste
• The Senses: Touch
• Sandy Soil
• Features of CPU
• Features of System Unit
• Measurement of Mass

Second Term 8 notes

• Loamy Soil
• Clay Soil
• Clay
• Clay: Practical
• Plants
• Plants: Common Uses
• Animals
• Animals: Common Uses

Third Term 8 notes

• Forms of Energy
• Sound Energy
• Colour: Meaning, Types, & Uses of Colour
• Air: Meaning, Uses & Gases in Air
• Air Flotation
• Water: Objects That Float
• Water: Objects That Sink
• Road Users

Basic 3 Basic Science 37 notes

First Term 7 notes

• Measurement of Length
• Measurement of Time
• Forms of Energy: Light Energy
• Mirror: Image Formation
• Forms of Technology I: Underdeveloped Technology, Software Application.
• Forms of Technology II: Developed Technology
• Forms of Technology III: General Uses of Technology

Second Term 16 notes

• Air in Motion I: Wind
• Air in Motion II: Harmful Effects of Wind
• Water
• Qualities of Water
• Water: Purifying Water
• Water: Packaged Water
• Soil I: Importance to Plants
• Soil II: Importance to Animals
• Air in Motion I: Wind
• Air in Motion II: Harmful Effects of Wind
• Water
• Qualities of Water
• and 4 more

Third Term 14 notes

• Meaning and Characteristics of Plants
• Uses of Plants
• Plants: As Living Things
• Plants Exhibiting Characteristics of Living Things
• Meaning and Characteristics of Animals
• Uses of Animals
• How Animals Help Us
• Animals: As Living Things (Characteristics)
• Meaning and Characteristics of Plants
• Uses of Plants
• Plants: As Living Things II
• Meaning and Characteristics of Animals
• and 2 more

Basic 4 Basic Science 24 notes

First Term 8 notes

• Changes in Nature, Moving Our Body Parts and Storage Device
• Changes in Plants and Animals (I), Moving Our Body Parts II, and Output Device.
• Changes in Plant and Animals (II), Athletics, Launching of Microsoft
• Changes in Plants and Animals (Ill), Athletics and Microsoft Power Point.
• Our Weather (I): Track Event, and Microsoft Power Point.
• Our Weather (II): Games and Sport and Menu Bar
• Our Weather (II), Table Tennis, and Launching Microsoft Powerpoint
• Water, First Aids and its Uses and Introduction to Computer Coding

Second Term 9 notes

• Soil, Track Event, and Typing and Saving on Microsoft Powerpoint.
• Soil (II): Track Event, and Typing and Saving on Microsoft Powerpoint.
• Soil (II): Growing of Plants & Waste Disposal
• Mixture, Physical Fitness, Virus
• Technology(I), Games: Basketball Skills, Anti-Virus
• Technology III, Game and What Is Coding
• Measurement (Measuring Liquids), Gymnastics, and Coding
• Measurement, Food/Nutrition, Use of Coding
• Shape Construction with Paper(I) and Safety at Home and School

Third Term 7 notes

• Shape Construction with Wood or Metal, Athletics, Data Processing
• Types of Building, Relay Skills, and Information
• Vehicles, Volleyball and Information
• Food (Classes and Use), Pathogens and Diseases, and Microsoft Powerpoint
• Harmful Foods, Spread of Diseases, Launching of Microsoft
• The Digestive System & Disease Preventive Measures
• Human Body (The Mouth), Drug Education, and Search Programming

Basic 5 Basic Science 24 notes

First Term 8 notes

• Environmental Quality
• Changes Around Us (Erosion)
• Control of Erosion
• Waste and Waste Disposal
• Land and Noise Pollution
• Environmental Changes (Water and Air)
• Environmental Quality II: Maintaining Healthy Environment
• Reproduction in Plants

Second Term 7 notes

• Reproduction in Plants
• Domestic and Wild Animals
• Energy and You (Heat and Energy)
• Heat and Temperature
• States of Matter
• Materials and Maintenance
• Maintenance

Third Term 9 notes

• Acid and Bases
• Acids and Bases: Soap Making
• Basic Electricity
• Conductors and Non-Conductors
• Magnetism
• Basic Motor Parts (Internal)
• Body Image and Self Esteem
• Excretory System
• Rocks

JSS1 Basic Science 26 notes

First Term 8 notes

• Living & Non-Living Things 1
• Characteristics of Living & Non Living Things
• Human Development
• Characteristics of Living Things
• Classification of Non-Living Things: Metals & Non Metals
• Family Health (I)
• Family Health (II)
• Nutrition: Food & Classes of Food

Second Term 9 notes

• Reproductive System
• Environmental Pollution I
• Enviromental Pollution II
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
• HIV/AIDS(I)
• HIV/AIDS (II)
• Energy
• Renewable & Non-Renewable Energy
• Energy & Society

Third Term 9 notes

• Human Reproduction (I)
• Human Reproduction (II)
• Force
• Calculation of Gravitational Force
• Space Travel
• Gravitation and Weightlessness
• Earth and Space
• Satellites
• Implication of Teenage Pregnancy

JSS2 Basic Science 22 notes

First Term 8 notes

• Habitat of Living Things
• Adaptation of Living Things to Their Environment
• Relationship Between Organisms in the Same Environment
• Uniqueness of Human Development
• Measurement of Growth Human Developmental Changes
• Human Growth and Development
• Human Growth and Development: Puberty
• Body Image

Second Term 6 notes

• Concept of Work, Energy and Power
• Potential and Kinetic Energy
• Family Life Education
• Kinetic Theory: Kinetic Energy
• Explanation of Some Phenomena Using Kinetic Theory
• Kinetic Molecular Theory: Boiling and Evaporation

Third Term 8 notes

• Thermal Energy: Heat Flow
• Thermal Energy: Heat Transfer
• Reproductive Health: Genetic Counselling
• Abstinence
• Chemicals
• Chemicals: Safety Measures
• Drug Abuse
• Crude Oil and Petrochemicals

JSS3 Basic Science 21 notes

First Term 8 notes

• Drug and Substance Abuse: I
• Drug and Substance Abuse II
• Family Traits
• Environmental Hazard: Soil Erosion
• Environmental Hazard: Bush Burning
• Environmental Hazard: Flooding
• Environmental Hazard: Deforestation
• Environmental Hazard: Desertification

Second Term 8 notes

• Resources from Living Things
• Economic Importance of Resources from Plants and Animals
• Resources from Non-Living Things
• Light Energy
• Sound Energy
• Magnetism
• Electrical Energy
• Skill Acquisition

Third Term 5 notes

• Family Life Education I: Teenage Pregnancy
• Family Life Education II: Abortion
• Radioactivity
• Ethical Issues in Science and Development
• Simple Machine

How we prepare our lesson notes

Each note covers one topic for one class and one term, and the notes are arranged in teaching order. Every note has behavioural objectives, the lesson content in short sections, evaluation questions and an assignment, and the questions and assignment are drawn from the same note.

Before publication, notes are edited for accuracy, plain language and the right level for the class. Teachers can then use them as a clear starting point and adapt them to their own pupils.

Every note is free to read online. A PDF or Word copy of one subject costs ₦1,000 for one term, or ₦2,000 for all three terms. If you find a mistake, tell us and we will correct it.

Recommended Basic Science textbooks

Books are grouped by class. The line under each title shows which list recommends it.

Basic 1 Basic Science textbooks 5 books

Name	Author	Publisher
Milestone Basic Science for Primary Schools (Book 1)FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	Wilfred Ihe Opara, Ibrahim Musa; Folashade Ayotunde	Milestone Publishers Limited
Educate Basic Science Series For Primary Schools Book 1FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	Anakor V. C.	Educate Publishing Company Ltd
Extension Modern Basic Science for P1FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	Harriman T, Abubakar M	Extension Publishers Limited
Classic Basic Science for Primary Schools Book 1FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	A. F. ORUKOTAN et’al.	T. P. THURSMAY PUBLISHERS
The Ideal Tutor Basic Science for Primary 1FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	Abiodun Deborah Yetunde, Umma Hassan Babanzara, Usman Abba Idris, et al	IBZAR Publishing

Basic 2 Basic Science textbooks 3 books

Name	Author	Publisher
Basic Science and Technology Book 3School booklist – Noble Foundation School, Ibadan (private)	Igwe I. O. et al	Nelson
Exploring Science for Primary Schools Book 2Not on an official listEdition: 2019	M. D. Dung, H. N. Alalade, M. O. Ogunjinmi, F. A. Akinlade	Not stated on page (Learn Africa store)
Active Basic Science and Technology for Primary Schools Book 2Not on an official list	upplc (University Press PLC)	University Press PLC

Basic 3 Basic Science textbooks 3 books

Name	Author	Publisher
Basic Science and Technology Book 4School booklist – Noble Foundation School, Ibadan (private)	Igwe I. O. et al	Nelson
Exploring Science for Primary Schools Book 3Not on an official list	Not opened (Book 2: M. D. Dung et al)	Not stated (Learn Africa store)
Active Basic Science and Technology for Primary Schools Book 3Not on an official list	upplc (University Press PLC)	University Press PLC

Basic 4 Basic Science textbooks 5 books

Name	Author	Publisher
The Ideal Tutor Basic Science and Technology for Primary Schools Book 4FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	Abiodun Deborah Yetunde et al	Ibzar Publishing Company Limited.
TANUS Basic Science and Technology for Primary Schools Book 4FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	Anakor V. C.	TANUS BOOKS LTD
GVAS Basic Science and TechnologyFG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: First published 2026	Joshua O. Adewale Echeng E. Mboto et’al.	GVAS (Global Virtual Academy System Ltd)
Basic Science and Technology Book 4FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: First Published 2015, Reprinted 2022, 2023 Revised 2019, Revised 2026	Obinna Uche, Yemisi Omikunle, Audu Ibrahim, Lawal Saheed	Accessible Publisher Limited
Eduwaves Basic Science for Pry schoolFG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: First edition 2026	Moyinoluwa Olwasegun, Adedeji Peters etal	Eduwaves Publishers Limited

Basic 5 Basic Science textbooks 4 books

Name	Author	Publisher
Active Basic Science and Technology for Primary SchoolsAnambra State Govt (Ministry of Education)	Lyopmang, Tolu Anjorin et al	University Press PLC
Exploring ScienceAnambra State Govt (Ministry of Education)	Dung M.D., Alalade H.N. et al	Learn Africa
Smart Basic Science and TechnologyAnambra State Govt (Ministry of Education)	Lynn Pocock, Lanise N. et al	Cambridge University Press
Basic Science and Technology Book 6School booklist – Noble Foundation School, Ibadan (private)	Igwe I.O. et al	Nelson

Basic 6 Basic Science textbooks 3 books

Name	Author	Publisher
Active Basic Science and Technology for Primary SchoolsAnambra State Govt (Ministry of Education)	Lyopmang, Tolu Anjorin et al	University Press PLC
Exploring ScienceAnambra State Govt (Ministry of Education)	Dung M.D., Alalade H.N. et al	Learn Africa
Smart Basic Science and TechnologyAnambra State Govt (Ministry of Education)	Lynn Pocock, Lanise N. et al	Cambridge University Press

JSS1 Basic Science textbooks 5 books

Name	Author	Publisher
Intermediate Science for junior Secondary SchoolsFG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: First Published 2026	O. E. Ogundele; G. N. Nneji et al	Learn Africa Plc
Extension Intermediate Science for Junior Secondary Schools 1FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	Chukwuma Obiora, Danjuma Malik, Ayodeji Mayowa	Extension Publication Limited
Tanus Intermediate Science for Junior Secondary Schools Book 1FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	Damilola R. Kaffo	Tanus Books Limited.
The Ideal Tutor Intermediate Science for JS1FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	Abiodun Deborah Yetunde, Umma Hassan Babanzara, Usman Abba Idris, et al	IBZAR Publishing
Marvelous Intermediate Science for junior Secondary SchoolsFG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: Second Edition 2026	Opeyemi Olorunfemi	Marvelous Mike Press Ltd

JSS2 Basic Science textbooks 5 books

Name	Author	Publisher
Effective Basic Science, Textbook and Workbook 2School booklist – Whitesands School, Lagos (private)Edition: New NERDC Edition	J.G. Adewale et al	Evans Publishers
New Insights Basic Science and Technology for JS2 (Textbook and Workbook)School booklist – Whitesands School, Lagos (private)	E.C. Okeke, O.A. Banwo, M.A. Okebule	Sunesis Publishers
Basic Science for Junior Secondary Schools Book 2School booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	A. Adeosun, E. Nwabudike, B. Odeniyi	Spectrum Books Ltd
Basic Science Book 2School booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	A. Adeosun, E. Nwabudike, B. Odeniyi	Spectrum Books Ltd
Basic Science for Junior Secondary School Book 2 (UBE/NERDC series)Not on an official list	University Press PLC	University Press PLC

JSS3 Basic Science textbooks 5 books

Name	Author	Publisher
Effective Basic Science, Textbook and Workbook 3School booklist – Whitesands School, Lagos (private)Edition: New NERDC Edition	J.G. Adewale et al	Evans Publishers
New Insights Basic Science and Technology for JS3 (Textbook and Workbook)School booklist – Whitesands School, Lagos (private)	E.C. Okeke, O.A. Banwo, M.A. Okebule	Sunesis Publishers
Comprehensive Basic Science JS 3School booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	Ojo Olaleye Adetunji	Adetunji Printing Press, Oyo
Comprehensive Basic Science Book 3School booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	Ojo Olaleye Adetunji	Adetunji Printing Press, Oyo
Basic Science for Junior Secondary School Book 3 (UBE/NERDC series)Not on an official list	University Press PLC	University Press PLC

Based on the 2026/27 recommended lists. Editions change, so confirm the current edition with your school or bookseller.