PRIMARY 4: AGRIC SCIENCES – SECOND TERM | WEEK 6

TOPIC: DANGERS OF EXCESSIVE USE OF FARM CHEMICALS

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

1. Pictures of polluted farmland.
2. Pictures of dead fish.
3. Pictures of damaged crops.
4. Warning charts.
5. Flashcards.

B: REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of work.
2. Recommended Agric Sciences textbook for Primary 4.
3. Online educational resources.

C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

The pupils have learnt about farm chemicals and the safety measures farmers should follow when handling them.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Explain excessive use of farm chemicals.
2. State dangers of using too much farm chemical.
3. Explain how chemicals can pollute soil and water.
4. State harmful effects on humans and animals.
5. Explain the need for responsible chemical use.

E: CONTENT

Meaning of Excessive Use

Excessive use means using more chemical than is necessary or recommended. Farmers should follow instructions carefully.

Dangers of Excessive Chemical Use

1. Damage to Crops

Too much chemical can burn or kill crops.

2. Soil Pollution

Chemicals can remain in the soil and damage useful organisms.

3. Water Pollution

Rainwater can wash chemicals into streams, ponds and rivers. 💧 Polluted water can harm living things.

4. Death of Fish

Farm chemicals in water can kill fish and other aquatic animals.

5. Harm to Useful Insects

Some chemicals may kill bees and other useful insects.

6. Harm to Humans

Farm chemicals can cause:

• skin irritation
• eye irritation
• breathing problems
• poisoning

7. Harm to Farm Animals

Animals may become sick if they eat or drink contaminated food or water.

Responsible Use of Chemicals

Farmers should:

1. Use the correct quantity.
2. Follow instructions.
3. Wear protective clothing.
4. Avoid spraying near water sources.
5. Store chemicals safely.

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

1. Explains excessive use of farm chemicals.
2. Shows pictures of damaged crops and polluted water.
3. Discusses soil pollution.
4. Discusses water pollution.
5. Explains effects on humans and animals.
6. Revises responsible chemical use.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

1. Explain excessive use.
2. Identify effects of chemical pollution.
3. State dangers to crops.
4. State dangers to humans and animals.
5. Suggest safe ways of using chemicals.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher revises the harmful effects of using too much farm chemical on crops, soil, water, humans and animals. The teacher encourages pupils to promote safe and responsible use of farm chemicals.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

1. What is excessive use of farm chemicals?
2. State four dangers of excessive chemical use.
3. How can farm chemicals pollute water?
4. State two effects on humans.
5. How can farm chemicals affect fish?
6. State three ways of using farm chemicals responsibly.