Real Examples of Simple Farm Tools Every Pupil Should Know

SUBJECT: Agricultural Science

CLASS: Primary 3

TERM: Third Term

WEEK: Week 2

AGE: 7 – 8 years

TOPIC: Simple Farm Tools

SUB-TOPIC: Simple Tools Commonly Used on the Farm

DURATION: 40 minutes

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BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES:

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

1. List at least 5 simple farm tools.

2. Describe the use of each tool.

3. Explain how these tools are used on a farm.

4. Demonstrate safe handling of farm tools.

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KEYWORDS: Farm, tools, hoe, cutlass, rake, shovel, spade, farming.

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SET INDUCTION (STORYTELLING STYLE):

I still remember when I visited my grandfather’s farm during the long vacation. He handed me a cutlass that looked taller than my arm. “Let’s clear some weeds,” he said, with a smile that made it sound like an adventure. That day, I didn’t just swing a blade—I learned respect for simple tools and the work they help us do. I share this story with my learners to spark curiosity:
“Have you ever helped someone in the garden or seen someone use a big knife to clear bush? That’s called a cutlass—do you want to know what else farmers use?”

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ENTRY BEHAVIOR:

Pupils may have seen these tools used at home, in a garden, or in a nearby farm area.

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LEARNING MATERIALS:

• Real or improvised farm tools (cutlass, hoe, rake, etc.)

• Chart showing pictures and names of farm tools

• Flashcards and illustrations

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BACKGROUND CONNECTION:

Some pupils may have parents who farm or garden. This lesson connects their home experiences with structured classroom learning.

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EMBEDDED CORE SKILLS:

• Observation

• Practical use

• Safe handling

• Communication

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REFERENCE BOOKS & LINKS:

• Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work

• Agricultural Science for Primary 3

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CONTENT EXPLANATION:

What Are Simple Farm Tools?
These are hand-held tools used to carry out basic farm work. They don’t use fuel or electricity, just the strength of your hands and a little patience.

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Examples and Their Uses (Humanized With Experience):

1. Cutlass – My uncle called this the “farmer’s sword.” It’s used for clearing bush and cutting down weeds.

2. Hoe – Think of it like a strong arm that digs the earth for you. We use it to prepare the soil before planting.

3. Rake – When we gathered dry leaves into piles behind my school, I used a rake for the first time. It smooths the soil and gathers dirt easily.

4. Shovel – We used this when we planted cassava stems in class. It’s great for lifting sand or compost.

5. Spade – A bit like the shovel, but with a straight edge. Perfect for digging straight holes.

6. Hand Fork – I gave each pupil one during our school farm activity. It helps loosen soil without hurting the roots of young plants.

7. Watering Can – Every child loves this one! It sprinkles water gently over plants.

8. Sickle – My neighbor, a real farmer, uses this to harvest grains without bending too much.

9. Wheelbarrow – The kids in class love pushing this tool around. It’s used for moving things like soil, manure, or seedlings.

10. Axe – Strong and heavy, it’s used to cut wood or big branches.

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TEACHER’S ROLE:

• Share real-life examples and demonstrations.

• Guide pupils to touch, name, and describe tools.

• Emphasize safe handling.

PUPILS’ ROLE:

• Observe and participate in demonstrations.

• Say the names of tools and their uses.

• Match tools with pictures and functions.

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PRESENTATION STEPS:

1. Revision of Previous Lesson: Ask pupils what they remember about the farm and why farmers work with their hands.

2. New Topic Introduction: Show actual tools or pictures.

3. Teaching with Examples: Tell stories, show tools, and connect each tool to a real farming task.

4. Pupil Participation: Pupils describe what they’ve seen at home or on school trips.

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EVALUATION QUESTIONS (Interactive and Humanized):

Fill in the blanks and choose the correct answer:

1. A _______ is used to cut weeds and clear bushes.
   a. Hoe b. Cutlass c. Watering Can

2. We use a _______ to sprinkle water on young plants.
   a. Shovel b. Rake c. Watering Can

3. A _______ is pushed to move things like soil.
   a. Wheelbarrow b. Axe c. Fork

4. _______ helps dig holes in the soil.
   a. Spade b. Sickle c. Cutlass

5. We use a _______ to gather leaves.
   a. Hoe b. Shovel c. Rake

6. The _______ is used for digging ridges.
   a. Hoe b. Axe c. Watering can

7. The _______ can cut wood or thick stems.
   a. Axe b. Hand fork c. Sickle

8. _______ is used for harvesting grains.
   a. Rake b. Sickle c. Spade

9. The _______ helps loosen soil around roots.
   a. Hand Fork b. Hoe c. Axe

10. We use a _______ to lift sand.
    a. Spade b. Cutlass c. Shovel

Answer Key:

1. b | 2. c | 3. a | 4. a | 5. c | 6. a | 7. a | 8. b | 9. a | 10. c

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (CLASS DISCUSSION STYLE):

1. What makes a tool “simple”?
   It doesn’t use electricity or fuel—just your hand.

2. Which tool do you use at home when helping with weeding?
   “I use my dad’s cutlass!” a pupil once shouted—and that’s exactly right.

3. Can we use a hoe to carry things?
   No, a hoe digs. A wheelbarrow carries.

4. What happens if we use tools wrongly?
   We can hurt ourselves or damage the plant.

5. How can I carry a cutlass safely?
   By holding the handle firmly and pointing the blade downwards.

6. Why do we water plants gently?
   So we don’t wash away the soil.

7. Can we share tools in class?
   Yes, but take turns and be careful.

8. Why do we clean tools after use?
   To prevent rust and make them last longer.

9. Do farmers still use these tools today?
   Yes—especially for small farms or gardens.

10. Are these tools expensive?
    Most are affordable and easy to find in local markets.

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ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS (SHORT ANSWER):

1. Name three farm tools you’ve seen before.

2. What is a rake used for?

3. Which tool helps carry loads on the farm?

4. How do we use a hoe?

5. Why do we water plants with a can?

6. What does a sickle do?

7. Mention one tool that digs the ground.

8. How should we keep tools safe?

9. Can children use tools carelessly? Why not?

10. What is the use of a hand fork?

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CONCLUSION:

The teacher rounds up with a short recap. Pupils are allowed to share their favorite tool and say why. The teacher praises correct responses and marks written work.