Understanding and Controlling Erosion Basic Science Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4

Lesson Plan Presentation: Basic Science Primary 5 First Term

Subject: Basic Science
Class: Primary 5
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 9 years
Topic: Changes Around Us (Erosion)
Sub-topic: Effects and Control of Erosion
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

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

1. Discuss the effects of erosion on the environment.
2. Describe how to prevent and control erosion.
3. Identify ways erosion affects them individually.
4. Propose solutions to prevent and control erosion in their environment.

Keywords:

• Erosion
• Environmental Impact
• Prevention
• Control

Set Induction:

The teacher will start by asking pupils if they have noticed any changes in the environment around them, such as soil being washed away after a heavy rain.

Entry Behaviour:

Pupils have observed soil or sand being moved by wind or water in their environment.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Pictures or charts showing erosion sites and their effects
• Whiteboard and markers
• Flashcards with erosion-related terms

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

The teacher will connect the lesson to the pupils’ understanding of erosion from the previous lesson, focusing on the damage it causes to the environment.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Collaboration

Learning Materials:

• Textbooks (Lagos State Scheme of Work)
• Notebooks
• Writing materials

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Basic Science Textbook for Primary 5

Instructional Materials:

• Printed images or charts of erosion effects
• Flashcards
• Group discussion worksheets

Content:

1. Effects of Erosion on the Environment:
   • Loss of Topsoil: Erosion removes the top layer of soil, which is rich in nutrients and essential for plant growth.
   • Damage to Farmlands: Erosion can wash away the fertile soil, making it difficult to grow crops.
   • Formation of Gullies: Severe erosion can create deep ditches or gullies, making land unusable for farming or building.
   • Increased Risk of Flooding: Erosion can lead to the loss of vegetation, which increases the risk of flooding as water flows unimpeded.
   • Sedimentation of Water Bodies: Eroded soil can be carried into rivers and lakes, leading to sedimentation that affects water quality and aquatic life.
2. Control of Erosion:
   • Planting Vegetation: Growing grass, trees, and shrubs helps hold the soil together and reduces erosion.
   • Building Terraces: Terracing on slopes helps slow down water flow and prevents soil from being washed away.
   • Using Retaining Walls: Building walls on slopes can prevent soil from moving downhill.
   • Cover Crops: Planting crops that cover the soil, like legumes, can protect it from wind and water erosion.
   • Proper Drainage Systems: Ensuring that water is drained properly can prevent the buildup that leads to erosion.

Evaluation:

Fill in the blanks with the correct options (a, b, c, or d).

1. Erosion causes the loss of ______ soil, which is rich in nutrients.
   a) Top
   b) Dry
   c) Rocky
   d) Sandy
2. Severe erosion can lead to the formation of ______.
   a) Mountains
   b) Rivers
   c) Gullies
   d) Forests
3. Planting ______ can help control erosion.
   a) Buildings
   b) Vegetation
   c) Roads
   d) Houses
4. Terracing is used to prevent soil from being washed away on ______.
   a) Flat lands
   b) Slopes
   c) Deserts
   d) Wetlands
5. Erosion can cause ______ to be carried into rivers, affecting water quality.
   a) Soil
   b) Rocks
   c) Sand
   d) Leaves
6. ______ erosion can damage farmlands, making it difficult to grow crops.
   a) Water
   b) Wind
   c) Soil
   d) Gully
7. Building ______ on slopes can help prevent erosion.
   a) Roads
   b) Retaining walls
   c) Houses
   d) Bridges
8. Cover crops are planted to ______ the soil from erosion.
   a) Expose
   b) Protect
   c) Drain
   d) Remove
9. Proper ______ systems can prevent the buildup of water that leads to erosion.
   a) Irrigation
   b) Drainage
   c) Transportation
   d) Communication
10. One effect of erosion is the increased risk of ______.
    a) Landslides
    b) Earthquakes
    c) Hurricanes
    d) Flooding

Class Activity Discussion:

1. How does erosion affect the environment?
2. What happens to farmland when erosion occurs?
3. How can we prevent soil erosion on slopes?
4. Why is it important to plant trees and grass in eroded areas?
5. What are some ways we can control erosion at home?
6. How does erosion lead to the formation of gullies?
7. What can be done to prevent erosion from affecting rivers and lakes?
8. How does proper drainage help in controlling erosion?
9. Why is it important to cover the soil with crops or plants?
10. What individual actions can you take to prevent erosion in your environment?

Presentation:

Step 1:
The teacher revises the previous topic on the types and causes of erosion.

• Ask pupils to recall the different types of erosion and what causes them.

Step 2:
The teacher introduces the new topic as follows:

• Explain that today’s lesson will focus on the effects of erosion and how we can control it to protect our environment.

Step 3:
The teacher allows the pupils to give their own contributions and the teacher corrects the pupils when and where necessary.

• Organize pupils into small groups to walk around the class, observing pictures of the effects of erosion.
• Facilitate group discussions on the ways erosion can be controlled and encourage pupils to share their thoughts.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Show images or charts of erosion and its effects.
• Explain the key concepts related to the effects and control of erosion.
• Facilitate group activities and discussions.
• Provide guidance during the pupils’ observations and brainstorming sessions.

Learners’ Activities:

• Walk around the class to observe pictures of erosion effects.
• Brainstorm and discuss how erosion can affect the environment.
• Think individually about how erosion affects them and write down their thoughts.
• Discuss in small groups how erosion can be prevented and controlled, then present to the class.
• Write down individual actions they can take to prevent and control erosion.

Evaluation Questions:

1. What is one effect of erosion on the environment?
2. How does erosion damage farmlands?
3. What are some ways to prevent soil erosion?
4. Why is planting trees important for controlling erosion?
5. How can retaining walls help in controlling erosion?
6. What is terracing, and how does it help in preventing erosion?
7. What happens when soil is carried into rivers?
8. How can proper drainage prevent erosion?
9. Why is it important to control erosion in your environment?
10. What can you do individually to help prevent erosion?

Conclusion:

The teacher goes around to assess the pupils’ group discussions and written ideas. The teacher also emphasizes the importance of preventing and controlling erosion to protect the environment.

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