Usefulness of Farm Insects Agricultural Science Primary 2 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 3
Comprehensive Lesson Plan Presentation
Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: Basic 2 / Primary 2 / Year 2
Term: Second Term / 2nd Term
Week: Week 3
Age: 6-8 years
Topic: Insects: Usefulness of Farm Insects
Sub-topic: Benefits of Good Farm Insects
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives
At the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:
- Identify at least three useful farm insects.
- Explain the importance of farm insects in agriculture.
- State two examples of how farm insects help farmers.
Keywords
- Insects
- Pollination
- Soil aeration
- Edible
- Farmers’ friends
Set Induction
The teacher shows pictures of different insects (e.g., bees, butterflies, and praying mantis) and asks learners which ones they recognize.
Entry Behaviour
The pupils are familiar with the classification of insects and examples from the previous lesson.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Wall charts showing types of insects
- Videos or pictures of useful insects
- Textbooks
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
Learners have been introduced to insect pests in the previous lesson. The teacher will connect this knowledge to the concept of useful insects that help farmers.
Embedded Core Skills
- Critical thinking
- Observation skills
- Communication skills
- Collaboration skills
Learning Materials
- Flashcards with pictures of useful insects
- Worksheets
- Online videos (if available)
Reference Books
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Agricultural Science for Primary Schools (Basic 2)
Instructional Materials
- Charts showing beneficial insects
- A live demonstration (if possible, with harmless insects like butterflies)
Content
Definition and Explanation
Not all insects are harmful. Some insects are beneficial to farmers and the environment. These insects help in activities like pollination, soil improvement, and pest control.
Importance of Useful Farm Insects
- Pollination: Bees and butterflies help transfer pollen from one flower to another, enabling plants to produce fruits and seeds.
- Soil Aeration: Crickets and termites make small holes in the soil, improving air and water movement.
- Pest Control: Insects like lady beetles and praying mantis eat harmful pests that destroy crops.
- Honey Production: Honey bees produce honey, which is a source of food and income.
- Edibility: Some insects, like winged termites and crickets, are eaten as food in some cultures.
Examples of Useful Farm Insects
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Praying mantis
- Lady beetles
- Termites
Evaluation Questions
- Bees help in the _________ of flowers.
a) Pollination b) Digging c) Watering d) Eating - Praying mantis kills _________ insects.
a) Dangerous b) Friendly c) Flying d) Edible - _________ eat mealybugs, mites, and aphids.
a) Lady beetles b) Crickets c) Butterflies d) Termites - Honey is produced by _________.
a) Bees b) Butterflies c) Termites d) Grasshoppers - Termites improve the soil by _________.
a) Pollination b) Biting c) Boring holes d) Eating leaves - Farmers call insects like butterflies _________ insects.
a) Harmful b) Friendly c) Dangerous d) Noisy - The insect that helps in making honey is _________.
a) Butterfly b) Cricket c) Bee d) Termite - Soil is enriched by the activities of _________.
a) Crickets b) Bees c) Lady beetles d) Ants - Some insects eaten by humans are _________.
a) Crickets b) Grasshoppers c) Termites d) All of the above - _________ helps control harmful pests.
a) Praying mantis b) Butterfly c) Bee d) Grasshopper
Class Activity Discussion (FAQs)
- What are useful insects?
Useful insects are insects that help farmers and the environment. - Name three useful farm insects.
Bees, butterflies, and lady beetles. - How do bees help farmers?
Bees pollinate flowers and produce honey. - Which insect helps in controlling pests?
Praying mantis controls pests by eating harmful insects. - What is soil aeration?
It is the process of improving air and water movement in the soil. - Which insects improve soil aeration?
Crickets and termites. - Can people eat insects?
Yes, people eat insects like crickets and termites. - What is pollination?
Pollination is the transfer of pollen from one flower to another to produce fruits or seeds. - Which insect is known for producing honey?
Honey bees. - How do termites help the soil?
They make holes in the soil, improving its quality.
Presentation
Step 1: The teacher revises the previous lesson on harmful insects.
Step 2: The teacher introduces the topic using pictures of beneficial insects.
Step 3: The teacher explains the importance of farm insects and gives examples.
Step 4: Learners discuss their ideas about insects they know and their usefulness.
Step 5: The teacher summarizes the topic and answers learners’ questions.
Teacher’s Activities
- Show wall charts and pictures of useful insects.
- Explain how each insect benefits the farm.
- Ask learners to mention any insects they know.
- Supervise class activities and correct wrong answers.
Learners’ Activities
- Identify insects in the charts.
- Recite the uses of farm insects with the teacher.
- Participate in group discussions on insect importance.
- Answer questions during class evaluation.
Assessment
- Mention one insect that helps in pollination.
- Name two insects that improve soil aeration.
- State one way praying mantis helps farmers.
- How does honey bee benefit the farm?
- Mention two insects that farmers eat.
Conclusion
The teacher reviews the lesson by revisiting the key points and marking pupils’ work. Feedback is given, and homework is assigned.