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PRIMARY 5: BASIC SCIENCE – FIRST TERM | WEEK 1

Updated January 5, 2026Basic Science, First Term, Primary 5

TOPIC: CHANGES CAUSED BY HUMAN ACTIVITIES – WATER POLLUTION

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

  1. Pictures of clean and polluted water.
  2. Samples of clean and dirty water in transparent containers.
  3. Charts showing sources of water pollution.
  4. Flashcards.
  5. Pupils’ notebooks and pencils.

B: REFERENCE MATERIALS

  1. Scheme of work.
  2. Recommended Basic Science textbook for Primary 5.
  3. Online educational resources.

C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

The pupils have learnt about water as an important natural resource and can mention some common sources and uses of water.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

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

  1. Explain the meaning of pollution.
  2. Define water pollution.
  3. Mention common causes of water pollution.
  4. Identify some water pollutants.
  5. State the effects of polluted water.
  6. Mention ways of preventing water pollution.

E: CONTENT

Meaning of Pollution

Pollution is the introduction of harmful or dirty substances into the environment.

Pollution makes our surroundings unsafe for humans, animals and plants.

Meaning of Water Pollution

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances make water dirty and unsafe for use.

💧 Clean water is safe for drinking and other activities.

🛢️ Dirty water containing oil, chemicals or waste may be harmful.

Causes of Water Pollution

Water can become polluted through:

Dumping refuse into rivers and streams.

Pouring sewage into water.

Oil spillage.

Washing clothes and vehicles inside streams.

Chemicals from farms and factories.

Dead animals thrown into water.

Examples of Water Pollutants

Water pollutants include:

Refuse.

Sewage.

Chemicals.

Oil.

Human and animal waste.

Plastic materials.

Effects of Water Pollution

Polluted water can:

Cause diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea.

Kill fish and other water animals.

Produce bad smell.

Make water unsafe for drinking.

Affect plants that depend on water.

Prevention of Water Pollution

We can prevent water pollution by:

Not dumping refuse into water.

Properly disposing sewage.

Preventing oil spills.

Keeping rivers and streams clean.

Avoiding washing directly inside sources of drinking water.

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

  1. Shows pupils samples or pictures of clean and dirty water.
  2. Explains the meaning of pollution and water pollution.
  3. Discusses common causes of water pollution.
  4. Displays pictures of water pollutants.
  5. Explains the effects of polluted water.
  6. Guides pupils to suggest ways of keeping water clean.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

  1. Observe the water samples or pictures.
  2. Explain differences between clean and dirty water.
  3. Mention causes of water pollution.
  4. Identify common water pollutants.
  5. State effects of drinking polluted water.
  6. Suggest ways of preventing water pollution.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher revises the meaning, causes, effects and prevention of water pollution. The teacher encourages pupils to avoid throwing waste into rivers, streams and drainage channels.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

  1. What is pollution?
  2. What is water pollution?
  3. Mention three causes of water pollution.
  4. List three water pollutants.
  5. Mention two effects of water pollution.
  6. State three ways of preventing water pollution.