Comprehension passage on the topic passage : The important topics in nature

English Language 

Comprehension Work 

Second Term Lesson Note

Week 8

Primary 6 

The important topics in nature

Learning Objectives

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

1. Read the Comprehension passage 
2. Comprehend the content of the passage 
3. Answer the questions on the Comprehension passage 
4. understand the different important topics within the study of nature and their significance.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils have previous knowledge of words like antonyms, synonyms and homophones.

Instructional Materials

• Audio Visual Resources 
• Flash cards 
• Online Dictionary 
• Recommended English Textbook 
• Chart 
• Hard copy dictionary 
• Whiteboard or blackboard
• Markers or chalk
•  Slides with information on the important topics in nature

Methods of Teaching

• Class Discussion
• Group Discussion
• Asking Questions
• Explanation
• Role Modelling
• Role Delegation

Reference Materials 

• Scheme of Work
• Online Information
• Textbooks
• Workbooks
• 9 Year Basic Education Curriculum

Content 

Nature is the natural world that surrounds us and includes everything from the tiniest insects to the largest animals and plants. There are many important topics within the study of nature, including the following:

1. Biodiversity: This refers to the variety of different species that exist within a particular ecosystem. It is important to understand biodiversity because different species play different roles in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and provide important resources for humans, such as food, medicine, and materials for clothing and shelter.
2. Ecosystems: An ecosystem is a community of living things and their physical environment. It is important to study ecosystems because they are the foundation of life on Earth and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the natural world.
3. Climate change: Climate change refers to the long-term trends in temperature and other aspects of the Earth’s climate. It is an important topic because it is affecting the Earth’s ecosystems and is caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.
4. Habitat loss: Habitat loss refers to the destruction or degradation of the natural environment, which can lead to the extinction of species. It is an important topic because it is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss and can have serious consequences for both human and animal populations.
5. Conservation: Conservation is the protection and management of natural resources, including ecosystems, species, and their habitats. It is important to study conservation because it helps to maintain the balance of the natural world and ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy the benefits of the Earth’s natural resources.
6. Evolution: Evolution refers to the way that species change over time through the process of natural selection. It is an important topic because it helps us understand the history of life on Earth and how different species are related to one another.
7. Genetics: Genetics is the study of genes and how they are passed from one generation to the next. It is an important topic in nature because it helps us understand how different traits are inherited and how they can be modified through selective breeding.
8. Environmental health: Environmental health refers to the impact of the natural environment on human health. It is an important topic because it helps us understand how the quality of the air, water, and soil can affect our health and well-being.
9. Sustainability: Sustainability is the practice of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is an important topic in nature because it helps us understand how to use natural resources in a way that is sustainable and does not harm the environment.
10. Ecological economics: Ecological economics is the study of how economic activities interact with the natural environment. It is an important topic because it helps us understand how to balance economic growth with the need to protect the natural environment.

Presentation

The lesson presentation is done step by step. The class teacher or subject teacher does the following

Warm-up activity or entry behaviour :

• Begin the lesson by asking students what they already know about nature and the different topics within it.
• Write down their responses on the board and use this as a starting point for the lesson.

Presentation:

• Introduce the concept of nature and its importance in the world.
• Go over the different important topics in nature, including biodiversity, ecosystems, climate change, habitat loss, conservation, evolution, genetics, environmental health, sustainability, and ecological economics.
• Use handouts or slides to provide more detailed information on each topic and discuss their significance.

Discussion:

• Encourage students to ask questions and share their own thoughts and experiences related to the different topics.
• Facilitate a class discussion on the importance of these topics and how they affect the natural world and humans.

Activities:

• Divide the class into small groups and have each group choose one of the important topics in nature to research further.
• Have the groups present their findings to the class and discuss the topic in more detail.
• As an extension activity, have students come up with their own ideas for how to protect and preserve the natural environment, based on what they have learned in the lesson.

Evaluation

1. What is the main goal of conservation? a) To increase economic growth b) To protect natural resources c) To protect animal habitats d) To increase the number of species
2. Which of the following is NOT a way that climate change is caused by human activities? a) Burning of fossil fuels b) Deforestation c) Pollution d) Earthquakes
3. Which of the following is NOT a way that environmental health can be affected by the natural environment? a) Air quality b) Water quality c) Soil quality d) Noise levels
4. Which of the following is NOT a way that sustainability helps to protect the natural environment? a) Ensuring that natural resources are used in a way that is sustainable b) Increasing economic growth c) Protecting animal habitats d) Decreasing the number of species
5. Which of the following is NOT a way that evolution helps us understand the history of life on Earth? a) By showing how species change over time through natural selection b) By showing how different species are related to one another c) By showing how the Earth’s climate has changed over time d) By showing how human societies have developed over time
6. What is the main goal of ecological economics? a) To balance economic growth with the need to protect the natural environment b) To increase economic growth c) To protect animal habitats d) To increase the number of species
7. Which of the following is NOT a way that genetics helps us understand how different traits are inherited? a) By studying how genes are passed from one generation to the next b) By studying how selective breeding can modify traits c) By studying how environmental factors can affect gene expression d) By studying how economic policies can affect gene expression
8. Which of the following is NOT a consequence of habitat loss? a) Extinction of species b) Decrease in air quality c) Decrease in food production d) Increase in biodiversity
9. What is the main goal of biodiversity? a) To protect natural resources b) To increase economic growth c) To increase the variety of different species within an ecosystem d) To protect animal habitats
10. Which of the following is NOT a way that ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the natural world? a) By providing important resources for humans b) By maintaining the balance of predator and prey populations c) By regulating the Earth’s climate d) By increasing economic growth

Answers

1. b) Urban planning
2. b) Decrease in air quality
3. b) Increasing economic growth
4. d) Decreasing the number of species
5. c) By showing how the Earth’s climate has changed over time
6. a) To balance economic growth with the need to protect the natural environment
7. d) By studying how economic policies can affect gene expression
8. d) Increase in biodiversity
9. c) To increase the variety of different species within an ecosystem
10. d) By increasing economic growth

Conclusion:

• Review the main points of the lesson and emphasize the importance of understanding and preserving the natural world.
• Encourage students to think about ways that they can make a positive impact on the environment in their daily lives.