Lesson plan for teaching the topic "Independence Constitution of 1960" to Senior Secondary 2 students:
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### Lesson Plan: Independence Constitution of 1960
#### Subject:
Government
#### Grade Level:
Senior Secondary 2 (SS2)
#### Duration:
60 minutes
#### Objective:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Define and explain the term "Independence Constitution."
2. Outline the key features of the 1960 Independence Constitution of Nigeria.
3. Understand the significance of the 1960 Independence Constitution to Nigeria's history.
4. Analyze the lasting impacts of the 1960 Constitution on contemporary Nigerian governance.
#### Materials Needed:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and screen (if available)
- Printed handouts on the 1960 Constitution
- Primary source documents (excerpts from the 1960 Constitution)
- Video clip/documentary about Nigeria's independence (optional)
#### Lesson Procedure:
**1. Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Begin with a brief discussion on what a constitution is and its importance in governing a country.
- Explain the historical context leading up to Nigeria's independence in 1960, referring to colonial rule and the nationalist movements.
- Pose a few thought-provoking questions to the class:
- What do you think are the essential components of a country's constitution?
- Why might a newly independent country need a new constitution?
**2. Lecture/Presentation (20 minutes)**
- Provide a detailed explanation of the 1960 Independence Constitution:
- Begin with the historical background: British colonial rule, the reasons behind the push for independence, and key figures in Nigeria's independence movement.
- Highlight the key features of the 1960 Constitution such as:
- The establishment of a federal structure with three regions.
- The role of the Governor-General as the ceremonial head of state.
- The introduction of parliamentary democracy.
- Rights and responsibilities enshrined in the constitution.
- Discuss the significance of October 1, 1960, as the date Nigeria gained complete independence from British rule.
**3. Group Activity (15 minutes)**
- Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with printed excerpts from the 1960 Constitution.
- Assign each group a specific section to review and analyze.
- Instruct them to identify key aspects of their assigned section and consider the following questions:
- What does this section of the constitution address?
- Why might this have been important for Nigeria at the time of independence?
**4. Group Presentations (10 minutes)**
- Allow each group to present their findings to the class.
- Facilitate a brief discussion after each presentation, inviting other groups to ask questions or add comments.
**5. Conclusion and Q&A (5 minutes)**
- Summarize the main points discussed in the lesson.
- Emphasize the importance of the 1960 Constitution in laying the foundation for Nigeria's governance structure.
- Open the floor for any final questions or comments from students.
**6. Homework/Extension Activity**
- Assign students to write a short essay on how the 1960 Constitution influenced Nigeria's political landscape in the decades that followed. Encourage them to use examples from the lesson and additional research.
#### Assessment:
- Participation in group discussions and presentations.
- Quality of questions and comments during the lesson.
- Evaluation of the assigned homework essay based on understanding, depth of analysis, and clarity of expression.
#### Resources:
- Excerpts from the 1960 Independence Constitution.
- Recommended reading: "Nigerian Politics and Constitutional Development" by B. O. Nwabueze.
- Optional: Video clips or documentaries on Nigeria’s independence available from educational resources or online platforms such as YouTube.
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By adhering to this lesson plan, you ensure that students will not only learn about the 1960 Independence Constitution but also appreciate its historical significance and impact on modern Nigeria.