### Lesson Plan: Civic Education - Junior Secondary 3
#### Topic: McPherson and Lyttleton's Constitutions
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**Duration:** 50 minutes
**Learning Objectives:**
1. Understand the historical context and significance of the McPherson and Lyttleton's Constitutions in Nigeria.
2. Compare and contrast both constitutions.
3. Identify key features and the impact of both constitutions on Nigeria's path to independence.
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**Materials Needed:**
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and screen
- Textbooks (Civic Education for Junior Secondary Schools)
- Handouts with key points
- PowerPoint slides
- Internet access (if needed for additional resources)
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**Lesson Outline:**
1. **Introduction (5 minutes)**
- Greet the students and take attendance.
- Begin with a brief review of previous lessons on Nigeria's colonial history.
- Introduce the topic by explaining that today, they will learn about two important constitutions in Nigeria's history.
2. **Presentation (20 minutes)**
- Use PowerPoint slides to highlight key aspects of both constitutions.
**McPherson Constitution (1951):**
- Background and historical context.
- Major features:
- Greater regional autonomy.
- Establishment of regional assemblies.
- Introduction of a ministerial system.
- Impact and limitations:
- Encouragement of political activities and regionalism.
- Criticism for not providing enough national unity.
**Lyttleton Constitution (1954):**
- Background: Need for a more federal system.
- Major features:
- Full federal structure with more defined powers for the central and regional governments.
- Establishment of the Council of Ministers.
- More defined roles for the central and regional legislative bodies.
- Impact and significance:
- Laid the foundation for Nigeria's independence.
- Addressed some criticisms of the McPherson Constitution.
3. **Group Activity (15 minutes)**
- Divide the class into small groups and give each group a handout with key points of both constitutions.
- Each group will discuss and create a comparison chart, listing similarities and differences between the McPherson and Lyttleton's constitutions.
- Encourage a representative from each group to present their findings.
4. **Discussion and Q&A (5 minutes)**
- Facilitate a class discussion on the significance of both constitutions in Nigeria’s journey towards independence.
- Open the floor for any questions or clarifications from the students.
5. **Conclusion (3 minutes)**
- Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson.
- Emphasize the role these constitutions played in shaping Nigeria's political landscape.
6. **Assignment (2 minutes)**
- Assign a short essay on "The Impact of McPherson and Lyttleton's Constitutions on Nigeria's Path to Independence".
- Inform students that the essay will be due at the next class.
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**Assessment:**
- Group Activity Chart (peer evaluation).
- Participation in group discussions.
- The short essay (homework).
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**Extension Activity:**
- Encourage students to research more on the constitution that followed these (the 1960 Independence Constitution) and how it eventually led to Nigeria's full independence.
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**Reflection:**
- After the lesson, evaluate what went well and what could be improved.
- Note any student feedback for future lessons.
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This lesson aims to not only inform students about important historical documents but also to develop their analytical thinking and collaborative skills.