Farmers’ Enemies like Insects Agricultural Science Primary 2 Third Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: Primary 2
Term: Third Term
Week: 4
Topic: Farmers’ Enemies
Duration: 45 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

• By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to identify common farmers’ enemies.
• Pupils should understand the damages caused by farmers’ enemies.

Key Words:

• Farmers’ Enemies
• Negative Effect
• Agriculture
• Birds
• Crabs
• Rats
• Grass Cutter
• Squirrel
• Damages
• Root Plant
• Crops
• Performance of Animals
• Marketability

Entry Behaviour:
The teacher asks pupils if they know any animals that harm crops or agriculture.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Pictures or illustrations of birds, crabs, rats, grass cutters, and squirrels
• Storybooks or posters about farmers’ enemies
• Whiteboard and markers
• Reference books (Lagos State Scheme of Work)

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge:
The teacher revises the previous lesson about the importance of identifying and managing farmers’ enemies.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Observing
• Identifying
• Describing
• Analyzing

Learning Materials:
Pupils will have access to pictures, storybooks, and posters about farmers’ enemies.

Instructional Materials:
The teacher will use visual aids, such as pictures and posters, to engage pupils and enhance understanding.

Content:

Farmers’ Enemies:

1. Definition: Farmers’ enemies are animals that harm agriculture or destroy crops 🦅.
2. Examples: Birds, crabs, rats, grass cutters, and squirrels are some examples of farmers’ enemies 🐦🦀🐀.

Damages Caused by Farmers’ Enemies:

a. Destroy the root plant: Enemies can dig up and damage the roots of plants, making them unable to grow properly 🌱.

b. Destroy crops on the field: They can eat or trample crops growing in the fields, ruining the farmer’s hard work 🌾.

c. Destroy stored crops: Enemies can also invade storage areas and spoil crops that have already been harvested and stored 🏠.

d. Reduce the performance of animals: Some enemies may attack or disrupt farm animals, making them less productive 🐄.

e. Reduce marketability of crop: Damage to crops by enemies can make them less appealing to buyers, affecting the farmer’s income 💰.

Class Activity Discussion about Farmers’ Enemies:

1. What are farmers’ enemies?
   • Answer: Farmers’ enemies are animals that harm agriculture or destroy crops 🦅.
2. Can you give examples of farmers’ enemies?
   • Answer: Sure! Examples of farmers’ enemies include birds, crabs, rats, grass cutters, and squirrels 🐦🦀🐀.
3. What damages do farmers’ enemies cause?
   • Answer: Farmers’ enemies can cause various damages, such as destroying the root plant, crops on the field, and stored crops 🌱🌾🏠.
4. How do farmers’ enemies affect plants?
   • Answer: They can damage the roots of plants, making them unable to grow properly and ruining the crops 🌱.
5. What happens to crops on the field because of farmers’ enemies?
   • Answer: Farmers’ enemies may eat or trample crops growing in the fields, destroying the farmer’s hard work 🌾.
6. What about crops that are already harvested and stored?
   • Answer: Enemies can invade storage areas and spoil the stored crops, causing additional losses 🏠.
7. Do farmers’ enemies only affect plants?
   • Answer: No, they can also disrupt farm animals and reduce their performance 🐄.
8. How can farmers’ enemies affect the marketability of crops?
   • Answer: Damage to crops by enemies can make them less appealing to buyers, affecting the farmer’s income 💰.
9. Are birds considered farmers’ enemies?
   • Answer: Yes, birds can be farmers’ enemies, especially if they eat or damage crops 🐦.
10. Do crabs harm agriculture?
    • Answer: Yes, crabs can harm agriculture by damaging crops or digging up roots 🦀.
11. What about rats? Do they damage crops?
    • Answer: Yes, rats are known to eat crops and can cause significant damage to agricultural fields 🐀.
12. What is a grass cutter, and why is it considered a farmers’ enemy?
    • Answer: A grass cutter is a small mammal that feeds on grass and crops, posing a threat to agriculture 🌾.
13. How can farmers protect their crops from enemies?
    • Answer: Farmers can use various methods like scarecrows, fences, and traps to protect their crops from enemies 👨‍🌾.
14. Can squirrels damage crops too?
    • Answer: Yes, squirrels can damage crops by eating them or digging up seeds 🐿️.
15. Why is it important for farmers to identify and manage their enemies?
    • Answer: Identifying and managing enemies is crucial for farmers to protect their crops and livelihoods 🌱👨‍🌾.

Evaluation :

1. Farmers’ enemies are animals that have a _______ effect on agriculture. a) positive b) neutral c) negative d) helpful
2. Which of the following is NOT an example of farmers’ enemies? a) Birds b) Dogs c) Rats d) Squirrel
3. What do farmers’ enemies do to the root plant? a) Water it b) Protect it c) Destroy it d) Feed it
4. What do farmers’ enemies do to crops on the field? a) Protect them b) Harvest them c) Destroy them d) Water them
5. Which damage is caused by farmers’ enemies to stored crops? a) They enhance their quality b) They destroy them c) They sell them d) They store them safely
6. How do farmers’ enemies affect the performance of animals? a) They improve it b) They reduce it c) They don’t affect it d) They make it colorful
7. What happens to the marketability of crops because of farmers’ enemies? a) It increases b) It decreases c) It remains the same d) It becomes unpredictable
8. Which animal is commonly known for destroying crops on the field? a) Cows b) Cats c) Birds d) Fish
9. What type of damage do farmers’ enemies cause to the root plant? a) Positive b) Neutral c) Negative d) Colorful
10. What is the main reason farmers consider birds as enemies? a) They sing beautifully b) They destroy crops c) They build nests d) They eat insects
11. How do farmers protect their crops from rats? a) By feeding them b) By building fences c) By inviting them d) By providing shelter
12. Why do farmers find squirrels troublesome? a) Because they are cute b) Because they damage crops c) Because they help in farming d) Because they are harmless
13. What do crabs do that makes them farmers’ enemies? a) Swim in the river b) Climb trees c) Destroy crops d) Eat grass
14. How can farmers prevent damages caused by farmers’ enemies? a) By inviting them b) By ignoring them c) By protecting crops d) By feeding them
15. What is the effect of farmers’ enemies on the marketability of crops? a) It improves b) It decreases c) It becomes colorful d) It remains the same

Presentation :

1. Revision of Previous Topic:
   • The teacher revises the previous lesson about farmers’ enemies and their damages.
   • Benefits of earthworms to the farmers and soil Agricultural Science Primary 2 Third Term Lesson Notes Week 2
2. Introduction of New Topic:
   • The teacher introduces the new topic: “Farmers’ Enemies.”
   • The teacher explains what farmers’ enemies are and provides examples.
3. Identification of Farmers’ Enemies:
   • The teacher shows pictures or illustrations of birds, crabs, rats, grass cutters, and squirrels.
   • Pupils identify each animal and discuss why they are considered farmers’ enemies.
4. Discussion on Damages Caused by Farmers’ Enemies:
   • The teacher explains the damages caused by farmers’ enemies, such as destroying the root plant, crops on the field, and stored crops.
   • Pupils discuss the impact of these damages on agriculture and farmers’ livelihoods.
5. Teacher’s Activities:
   • The teacher facilitates discussions and corrects any misconceptions.
   • The teacher encourages active participation from all pupils.
6. Learners Activities:
   • Pupils observe pictures or illustrations of farmers’ enemies and identify them.
   • Pupils discuss the damages caused by farmers’ enemies and share their thoughts.

Assessment:

• The teacher assesses pupils’ understanding through questioning during the lesson.
• The teacher observes pupils’ participation and engagement in discussions.

Evaluation Questions :

1. What are farmers’ enemies?
2. Can you name any farmers’ enemies?
3. What damages do farmers’ enemies cause to crops on the field?
4. How do farmers’ enemies affect the performance of animals?
5. Why is it important for farmers to identify farmers’ enemies?
6. What do birds do that makes them farmers’ enemies?
7. How can farmers protect their crops from rats?
8. Why are crabs considered farmers’ enemies?
9. What happens to the marketability of crops because of farmers’ enemies?
10. How can farmers prevent damages caused by farmers’ enemies?

Conclusion:

• The teacher goes round to mark pupils’ work and provide feedback.
• The teacher ensures that pupils have a good understanding of farmers’ enemies and their damages on agriculture.