Safety Measures in Applying Chemicals for Basic Four
Lesson Plan for Basic Four Agricultural Science: Safety Measures in Applying Chemicals
Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: Basic Four
Term: Second Term
Week: 5
Age: 9 – 10 years
Topic: Safety Measures in Applying Chemicals
Sub-topic: Dangers of Excessive Chemical Use
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioral Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- List two safety measures for applying chemicals.
- Explain two dangers of excessive use of chemicals.
- Describe how to prevent harmful effects of chemicals.
Keywords:
- Chemicals
- Safety
- Knapsack sprayer
- Pollution
- Toxic
Set Induction:
The teacher asks the pupils to mention some chemicals used in farming (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides) and how they think farmers protect themselves while using them.
Entry Behavior:
Pupils already know about materials for growing crops, including fertilizers and pest-killing chemicals.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- Whiteboard/Chalkboard
- Explanatory posters/pictures of farmers using safety equipment
- Knapsack sprayer (model or picture)
- Soap and water for demonstration
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
The teacher revises the topic “Materials for Growing Crops” and asks pupils to recall the importance of fertilizers and pest-killing chemicals.
Embedded Core Skills:
- Critical Thinking
- Observation Skills
- Environmental Awareness
Learning Materials:
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Online agricultural resources
- Agricultural Science textbooks
Instructional Materials:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Knapsack sprayer or image of one
- Posters showing proper chemical usage
Content
Safety Measures in Applying Chemicals:
- Cover Your Face and Mouth:
Always use a mask or cover your mouth and face while spraying chemicals to avoid inhalation. - Avoid Skin Contact:
Wear gloves and protective clothing to prevent chemicals from touching your skin. - Wash Hands After Use:
Wash your hands with soap and water or take a full bath after applying chemicals. - Keep Chemicals Away from Food:
Do not store chemicals near food items or water sources to prevent contamination. - Follow Instructions:
Always read and follow the instructions on the chemical packaging before use.
Dangers of Excessive Use of Chemicals:
- Crop Damage:
Excessive chemicals can burn or kill crops. - Soil Pollution:
Too many chemicals can destroy useful organisms in the soil. - Water Pollution:
Chemicals can wash into rivers and streams, killing fish and other water organisms. - Air Pollution:
Spraying chemicals carelessly can release harmful gases into the air. - Health Risks:
Some chemicals can burn the skin or cause respiratory problems when inhaled.
Examples of Safety Measures in Action:
- A farmer wearing gloves and a face mask while spraying pesticides.
- A farmer washing hands after using fertilizers.
- Chemicals stored away from food in labeled containers.
- A farmer reading instructions on chemical packaging before use.
- Farmers using scarecrows to reduce reliance on chemicals.
Presentation Steps:
Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, “Materials for Growing Crops.”
Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic by showing a picture of a farmer using safety equipment and explains its importance.
Step 3: The teacher allows pupils to share their ideas about how farmers protect themselves when using chemicals.
Teacher’s Activities:
- Explain safety measures and demonstrate with a knapsack sprayer.
- Discuss the dangers of excessive chemical use.
- Use explanatory posters to show examples.
Learners’ Activities:
- Answer questions about safety measures.
- Identify dangers of improper chemical use.
- Participate in a demonstration of proper safety practices.
Evaluation Questions:
Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:
- Chemicals should be sprayed with the aid of a ______. (a) knapsack sprayer (b) broom (c) stick (d) knife
- Wash your ______ after using chemicals. (a) feet (b) hands (c) head (d) face
- Excessive use of chemicals can kill ______. (a) crops (b) teachers (c) buildings (d) clouds
- Always ______ instructions before applying chemicals. (a) ignore (b) write (c) read (d) eat
- Chemicals can cause ______ pollution. (a) soil (b) air (c) water (d) all of the above
- A farmer should wear ______ to protect their hands. (a) gloves (b) hats (c) shoes (d) belts
- Toxic chemicals can harm ______ in rivers. (a) fish (b) sand (c) trees (d) air
- Chemicals can burn the ______. (a) clothes (b) skin (c) house (d) bucket
- A scarecrow is used to scare away ______. (a) birds (b) fish (c) snakes (d) insects
- Farmers should ______ chemicals properly. (a) store (b) drink (c) throw (d) ignore
FAQs for Class Discussion:
- What are two safety measures for applying chemicals?
Answer: Cover your mouth and wash your hands after use. - Why should we wash hands after using chemicals?
Answer: To remove harmful residues. - Can excessive chemicals kill crops?
Answer: Yes, they can. - Name one way chemicals pollute the environment.
Answer: Chemicals can pollute water and air. - What happens if chemicals touch the skin?
Answer: They can cause burns.
Conclusion:
The teacher summarizes the topic and highlights key points about safety in chemical use. The teacher marks pupils’ notes and provides feedback.