Factors that May Hinder Preservation of Farm Produce Agricultural Science Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4

Agricultural Science Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4

Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 11 years
Topic: Factors that May Hinder Preservation of Farm Produce
Sub-topic: Reasons for Preserving Farm Produce, Factors Hindering Preservation, Solutions
Duration: 40 minutes

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

1. Outline various reasons for preserving farm produce.
2. Evaluate the factors that may hinder the preservation of farm produce.
3. Proffer solutions on how to avoid the factors that hinder preservation.

Keywords: Preservation, Spoilage, Factors, Moisture, Bacteria, Temperature, Pest.

Set Induction: Begin the lesson by asking pupils why they think it is important to keep food fresh. Discuss what happens when food is not properly preserved.

Entry Behaviour: Pupils are familiar with the basic methods of preserving farm produce from the previous lesson.

Learning Resources and Materials:

1. Samples of farm produce that have been preserved and those that have spoiled.
2. Visual aids showing factors that can cause spoilage, like pests and poor storage.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge: Pupils have learned about different methods of preserving farm produce in the previous lesson.

Embedded Core Skills: Critical thinking, problem-solving, discussion.

Learning Materials: Charts and diagrams illustrating factors that affect preservation, samples of spoiled produce.

Reference Books: Lagos State Scheme of Work for Primary Schools, Agricultural Science Textbooks.

Instructional Materials:

• Samples of fresh and spoiled produce
• Charts showing moisture, temperature, and pest effects on preservation

Content:

1. Reasons for Preserving Farm Produce:

• To prevent spoilage and wastage.
• To ensure food availability during off-seasons.
• To maintain the nutritional value of food.
• To save money by reducing the need to buy fresh produce frequently.
• To allow for the transportation of food over long distances.

2. Factors that May Hinder the Preservation of Farm Produce:

a) Moisture:

• Explanation: Excess moisture in the air or on the produce can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria, causing the food to spoil.
• Solution: Ensure proper drying of produce before storage and store in a dry place.

b) Temperature:

• Explanation: High temperatures can speed up the spoilage of food, while very low temperatures may not be suitable for some preservation methods.
• Solution: Use appropriate storage methods, such as refrigeration, to maintain the right temperature.

c) Pests:

• Explanation: Insects, rodents, and other pests can infest and damage stored produce, leading to spoilage.
• Solution: Keep storage areas clean and use pest control measures.

d) Poor Storage Conditions:

• Explanation: Inadequate storage facilities, such as leaky roofs or poorly ventilated rooms, can lead to spoilage.
• Solution: Store produce in well-ventilated, dry, and clean areas.

e) Contamination:

• Explanation: Contact with dirty surfaces, hands, or containers can introduce bacteria and other contaminants to the produce.
• Solution: Always ensure cleanliness when handling and storing produce.

Evaluation:

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:

1. ______ can cause the growth of mold and bacteria on produce.
   a) Temperature
   b) Moisture
   c) Pests
   d) Contamination
2. High ______ can speed up the spoilage of farm produce.
   a) Moisture
   b) Temperature
   c) Pests
   d) Contamination
3. ______ can infest and damage stored produce, leading to spoilage.
   a) Temperature
   b) Moisture
   c) Pests
   d) Contamination
4. Poor ______ conditions can hinder the preservation of farm produce.
   a) Temperature
   b) Moisture
   c) Pests
   d) Storage
5. ______ surfaces can introduce bacteria to the produce.
   a) Dirty
   b) Moist
   c) Clean
   d) Dry
6. Proper ______ of produce before storage helps in preventing spoilage.
   a) Moisture
   b) Drying
   c) Storage
   d) Refrigeration
7. To avoid spoilage, it is important to maintain the right ______ in storage areas.
   a) Moisture
   b) Temperature
   c) Storage
   d) Contamination
8. ______ measures are necessary to protect produce from insects and rodents.
   a) Pest control
   b) Temperature
   c) Drying
   d) Moisture
9. Proper ______ conditions are essential for preserving farm produce.
   a) Moisture
   b) Pest
   c) Storage
   d) Temperature
10. ______ is necessary to avoid introducing bacteria to the produce.
    a) Temperature
    b) Moisture
    c) Cleanliness
    d) Storage
11. Excess ______ in the air can lead to the growth of mold.
    a) Temperature
    b) Moisture
    c) Pests
    d) Contamination
12. Maintaining the right ______ is essential for preserving farm produce.
    a) Temperature
    b) Moisture
    c) Storage
    d) Contamination
13. ______ can cause damage to stored produce.
    a) Pests
    b) Temperature
    c) Moisture
    d) Storage
14. Keeping storage areas ______ is important for preventing spoilage.
    a) Moist
    b) Dry
    c) Dirty
    d) Warm
15. ______ contact with dirty surfaces helps prevent contamination.
    a) Allowing
    b) Avoiding
    c) Encouraging
    d) Touching

Class Activity Discussion:

1. Why do we preserve farm produce?
   Answer: To prevent spoilage and ensure food availability during off-seasons.
2. Name one factor that can hinder the preservation of farm produce.
   Answer: Moisture.
3. How does moisture affect food preservation?
   Answer: It can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria, causing spoilage.
4. What is the effect of high temperature on farm produce?
   Answer: It speeds up spoilage.
5. Why are pests a problem in food preservation?
   Answer: They can infest and damage stored produce.
6. What should be done to prevent contamination of produce?
   Answer: Ensure cleanliness when handling and storing produce.
7. How can poor storage conditions lead to spoilage?
   Answer: They create an environment that encourages spoilage.
8. Why is it important to store produce in a dry place?
   Answer: To prevent moisture from causing mold and bacteria growth.
9. What role does temperature play in preserving food?
   Answer: Maintaining the right temperature helps keep food fresh longer.
10. What can be done to keep pests away from stored produce?
    Answer: Use pest control measures and keep storage areas clean.
11. What happens if produce is stored in a poorly ventilated room?
    Answer: It can lead to spoilage due to trapped moisture and heat.
12. Why is it necessary to dry produce before storage?
    Answer: To remove moisture and prevent spoilage.
13. How can you avoid introducing bacteria to the produce?
    Answer: By keeping surfaces and containers clean.
14. What are the consequences of poor storage conditions?
    Answer: Spoilage and loss of produce.
15. How can refrigeration help in preventing spoilage?
    Answer: By maintaining a low temperature that slows down bacterial growth.

Presentation:

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Methods of Preserving Farm Produce.”

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic by discussing the importance of preserving farm produce and the various factors that can hinder this process.

Step 3: The teacher allows the pupils to share their ideas on what might cause food to spoil. The teacher then explains each factor and discusses possible solutions.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Discuss and explain the factors that can hinder food preservation.
• Use examples of spoiled produce to illustrate the effects of moisture, pests, and poor storage.
• Encourage pupils to suggest solutions to these preservation challenges.

Learners’ Activities:

• Participate in discussions about why food spoils and how to prevent it.
• Observe the samples of spoiled and preserved produce.
• Take notes on the factors that affect food preservation.

Evaluation Questions:

1. Why is it important to preserve farm produce?
2. Name one factor that can cause food to spoil.
3. How can moisture affect the preservation of farm produce?
4. What is the role of temperature in food preservation?
5. How do pests hinder the preservation of farm produce?
6. What can happen if produce is not stored properly?
7. Why is it necessary to keep storage areas clean?
8. What is the solution to prevent moisture from causing spoilage?
9. How can you protect stored produce from pests?
10. What are some ways to maintain proper storage conditions?

Conclusion:

The teacher goes around the class to mark pupils’ work and provide feedback on their understanding of the factors that hinder the preservation of farm produce and how to overcome them.