The Nigerian National Flag and The Coat of Arms
The Nigerian National Flag and The Coat of Arms
Lesson Plan – Civic Education
Lesson Details
- Subject: Civic Education
- Class: Basic 3 / Primary 3 / Class 3
- Term: Second Term
- Week: 3
- Age: 7–8 years
- Topic: The Nigerian National Flag and The Coat of Arms
- Sub-topic: Meaning, Symbols, and Significance
- Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioral Objectives
At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Identify the Nigerian National Flag and describe its colors.
- Explain the meaning of the colors on the Nigerian flag.
- Describe when and why the national flag is flown at half-mast.
- Identify the Nigerian Coat of Arms and its components.
- Explain the meaning and importance of the symbols on the Nigerian Coat of Arms.
Keywords
- Flag – A piece of cloth with colors representing a nation.
- Coat of Arms – A special symbol that represents a country.
- National Symbol – Important objects that stand for a country.
- Half-Mast – When the flag is flown halfway to show mourning.
- Fertile Land – Good soil for farming.
Set Induction (Introduction)
The teacher shows a sample of the Nigerian flag and asks pupils:
- “Have you seen this flag before?”
- “Where do we see this flag?”
- “What do you think the colors of the flag mean?”
The teacher allows pupils to share their thoughts before introducing the lesson.
Entry Behavior
Pupils have learned about The Nigerian Constitution and The Mace in the previous lesson. They already know about national symbols, making it easier to understand the flag and the coat of arms.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Sample of the Nigerian flag
- Picture of the Nigerian Coat of Arms
- Wall charts with national symbols
- Flashcards with images of flags from other countries
- Online resources and textbooks
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher explains that just like every school has a badge or uniform that makes people recognize its students, every country has symbols that represent it. The Nigerian National Flag and the Coat of Arms are two important symbols of Nigeria.
Embedded Core Skills
- Communication Skills: Pupils will discuss the meaning of the flag and coat of arms.
- Critical Thinking: Pupils will think about the significance of national symbols.
- Observation Skills: Pupils will observe the features of the flag and coat of arms.
Reference Books
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Civic Education Textbook for Basic 3
- Nigerian Constitution and National Symbols
Instructional Materials
- Sample Nigerian flag
- Chart of the Coat of Arms
- Flashcards with different flags
- Pictures of national celebrations where the flag is used
Content (Lesson Explanation)
1. The Nigerian National Flag
The Nigerian National Flag is one of the most important symbols of the country. It is seen in schools, government buildings, and during national events.
Features of the Nigerian Flag:
- It has three vertical stripes: Green, White, and Green.
- It was designed by Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi in 1956.
- It became the official flag on October 1, 1960 (Independence Day).
Meaning of the Colors on the Flag:
- Green – Stands for Nigeria’s rich and fertile land.
- White – Represents peace and unity in Nigeria.
When is the National Flag Flown at Half-Mast?
The national flag is flown halfway down the pole when the country is mourning the death of a national leader or a tragic event.
2. The Nigerian Coat of Arms
The Nigerian Coat of Arms is also a national symbol. It is seen on:
- Nigerian passports
- Government buildings
- Military uniforms
Features of the Coat of Arms and Their Meanings:
- Black Shield – Stands for Nigeria’s fertile soil.
- Two Silver Bends (Y-shape) – Represent the Rivers Niger and Benue.
- Eagle (Red Color) – Stands for strength and pride.
- Two White Horses – Represent dignity and pride.
- Green and White Wreath – Shows Nigeria’s rich agricultural land.
- The Motto: “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress” – Represents Nigeria’s national values.
Evaluation (Fill-in-the-Blank Questions)
- The national flag of Nigeria has ______ colors. (a) two (b) three (c) four (d) five
- The green color on the Nigerian flag stands for ______. (a) peace (b) land (c) rivers (d) strength
- The white color on the flag represents ______. (a) power (b) dignity (c) peace (d) money
- The national flag is flown at half-mast during ______. (a) celebrations (b) mourning (c) elections (d) holidays
- The Nigerian flag was designed in the year ______. (a) 1955 (b) 1956 (c) 1959 (d) 1960
- The Coat of Arms has a black ______ in the center. (a) eagle (b) shield (c) flag (d) river
- The two silver bends on the Coat of Arms represent ______ and ______. (a) Lake Chad and River Niger (b) River Benue and River Niger (c) River Nile and River Benue (d) River Ogun and River Niger
- The eagle on the Coat of Arms represents ______. (a) peace (b) dignity (c) strength (d) love
- The two horses on the Coat of Arms represent ______. (a) unity (b) dignity (c) progress (d) peace
- The Nigerian motto on the Coat of Arms is “Unity and Faith, Peace and ______.” (a) love (b) dignity (c) progress (d) pride
Class Activity Discussion (FAQs and Answers)
- What is the Nigerian National Flag?
- It is a national symbol that represents Nigeria.
- How many colors are on the Nigerian flag?
- Three colors (Green, White, Green).
- Who designed the Nigerian flag?
- Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi.
- What does the green color on the flag represent?
- Fertile land.
- What does the white color represent?
- Peace and unity.
- When is the Nigerian flag flown at half-mast?
- During times of mourning.
- What is the Nigerian Coat of Arms?
- A symbol representing Nigeria’s government and heritage.
- What do the two horses on the Coat of Arms stand for?
- Dignity.
- What do the two silver bends represent?
- Rivers Niger and Benue.
- Where can we see the Coat of Arms?
- On passports, government buildings, and military uniforms.
Presentation Steps
- The teacher revises the previous lesson on The Nigerian Constitution and The Mace.
- The teacher introduces the new topic with a discussion.
- Pupils observe the flag and coat of arms.
- Pupils draw and color the Nigerian flag.
- The teacher explains the meanings of the symbols.
Assessment (Short Answer Questions)
- What is the meaning of the colors on the Nigerian flag?
- Who designed the Nigerian flag?
- What does the eagle on the Coat of Arms represent?
- Where can we see the Coat of Arms?
- What do the silver bends on the Coat of Arms represent?
Conclusion
The teacher reviews the lesson, marks pupils’ work, and provides feedback.