Usefulness of harmful insects Agricultural Science Primary 2 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 4

Lesson Note

Subject: Agricultural Science

Class: Basic 2 / Primary 2 / Year 2

Term: Second Term

Week: Week 4

Age: 7 – 8 years

Topic: Usefulness of Harmful Insects

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Sub-Topic: Dual Roles of Insects in Agriculture

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Duration: 40 minutes

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Behavioral Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, learners will be able to:

1. Explain why some harmful insects are useful to farmers.
2. List three examples of insects with both useful and harmful roles.
3. Describe how these insects impact farming positively and negatively.

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Keywords:

• Harmful insects: Insects that damage crops or plants.
• Useful insects: Insects that benefit farming.
• Termites: Insects that may damage wood but improve soil fertility.
• Bees: Insects that produce honey and help in pollination.
• Wasps: Insects that can harm crops but control pests.

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Set Induction:

The teacher will show pictures of various insects (e.g., termites, bees, and wasps) and ask the pupils, “Which of these insects have you seen before? Do you think they help or harm farmers?”

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Entry Behavior:

Learners have prior knowledge of insect pests and their classification.

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Learning Resources and Materials:

1. Wall charts showing types of insects.
2. Flashcards with images of useful and harmful insects.
3. Online resource materials.
4. Lagos State Basic Education Scheme of Work.

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Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Learners have learned the classification of insects into harmful and useful categories in their previous lesson.

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Embedded Core Skills:

1. Critical thinking skills (analyzing insect roles).
2. Observation skills (identifying insects in illustrations).
3. Communication skills (sharing ideas in class discussions).

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Reference Books:

1. Lagos State Basic Education Curriculum.
2. Primary Agricultural Science Textbooks.

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Instructional Materials:

1. Flashcards with insect images.
2. Wall charts with insect classifications.
3. Activity worksheets.

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Content

Useful Yet Harmful Insects in Agriculture

Some insects are both helpful and harmful in farming. These insects help farmers in some ways but can also cause damage. Examples include:

1. Termites
   • Useful: Improve soil structure by breaking down organic matter.
   • Harmful: Destroy wooden structures and crops.
2. Bees
   • Useful: Pollinate plants and produce honey.
   • Harmful: Sting humans and animals when provoked.
3. Wasps
   • Useful: Control pests by feeding on harmful insects.
   • Harmful: Damage crops by feeding on fruits.

 

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Examples of Harmful Insects

• Grasshoppers
• Locusts
• Caterpillars

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Presentation Steps

Step 1: Revision

• Teacher reviews the previous lesson on insect pests and their classification.

Step 2: Introduction

• Teacher introduces the topic by explaining that some insects can be both useful and harmful to farmers.

Step 3: Explanation

• Teacher discusses examples of such insects using wall charts and flashcards.

Step 4: Pupils’ Participation

• Pupils share examples of insects they know and discuss how they might be useful or harmful.

Step 5: Summary

• Teacher summarizes the lesson, emphasizing the dual roles of termites, bees, and wasps.

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Teacher’s Activities:

1. Show charts and flashcards of insects.
2. Explain the dual roles of termites, bees, and wasps.
3. Guide pupils to differentiate between harmful and useful actions of these insects.

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Learners’ Activities:

1. Observe insect pictures and describe them.
2. Participate in group discussions on the usefulness of harmful insects.
3. Answer questions related to the topic.

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Assessment

Evaluation Questions

1. Mention two insects that are both harmful and useful.
2. State one usefulness of bees to farmers.
3. How do termites help improve the soil?
4. Mention one harmful effect of wasps.
5. Why are some insects called harmful insects?

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. Termites help to improve ___________.
   a) Soil structure b) Wood quality c) Air quality
2. Bees are useful because they produce ___________.
   a) Water b) Honey c) Oil
3. Wasps help farmers by feeding on ___________ insects.
   a) Harmful b) Useful c) Friendly
4. Termites can damage ___________ on the farm.
   a) Wood b) Water c) Grass
5. Bees help plants by aiding in ___________.
   a) Pollination b) Watering c) Harvesting

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Class Activity Discussion

FAQs

1. What are harmful insects?
   Harmful insects are those that cause damage to plants.
2. Can harmful insects be useful?
   Yes, some harmful insects also help farmers.
3. Give an example of a harmful but useful insect.
   Bees are useful but can sting.
4. How do termites improve the soil?
   By breaking down organic matter.
5. Why do farmers manage harmful insects carefully?
   To reduce crop damage while benefiting from their usefulness.

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Conclusion

The teacher revisits the examples of useful and harmful insects, marks the pupils’ work, and provides feedback.

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