Caring for the Environment: A Lesson for Basic 4

Cultural and Creative Arts Lesson Plan for Basic 4 (Second Term, Week 4)

Subject: Cultural and Creative Arts
Class: Basic 4
Term: Second Term
Week: 4
Age: 8–9 years
Topic: Care of the Environment
Sub-topic: Meaning, Objects Found, and How to Care for the Environment
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Define the environment with examples.
2. Identify objects/materials in the environment.
3. Describe ways to care for the environment.

Keywords

Environment, Cleanliness, Care, Waste, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Set Induction

The teacher begins by asking pupils:

• “What do you see around your school and home?”
• “How do you feel when the environment is clean?”

Entry Behaviour

Pupils know the meaning of cleanliness and can identify some objects in their surroundings.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Picture charts of various environments
• Cleaning tools (brooms, rakes, shovels)
• Objects found in the environment (trees, trash cans, etc.)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher connects the lesson to the previous topic on the features of Nigerian traditional dance by explaining that just as people cherish and care for cultural practices, they should also care for their surroundings.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Communication and Collaboration
• Creativity and Imagination
• Citizenship

Content

Definition of the Environment

The environment includes everything around us, such as:

1. Air we breathe.
2. Water we drink.
3. Plants and animals.
4. Buildings and roads.
5. People and activities.

Examples of Environments

1. School Environment: Classrooms, playgrounds, teachers, students, trees, and flowers.
2. Home Environment: Rooms, furniture, family members, and pets.

Objects Found in the Environment

1. Trees: Provide oxygen, shade, and homes for animals.
2. Water: Found in rivers, lakes, and streams.
3. Animals: Help pollinate plants and balance ecosystems.
4. Soil: Supports plant growth and stores water.
5. Trash Cans: Help dispose of waste responsibly.

How to Care for the Environment

1. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: Avoid waste by reusing materials and recycling paper, plastics, and metal.
2. Save Energy: Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.
3. Conserve Water: Turn off taps when brushing teeth or washing dishes.
4. Pick Up Litter: Dispose of trash properly to keep spaces clean.
5. Plant Trees: Trees improve air quality and provide shelter for animals.

Evaluation

Fill in the blanks with the correct option (a, b, c, or d):

1. The environment includes ________.
   a) Only buildings
   b) Everything around us
   c) Animals only
   d) Trees only
2. Trees provide ________.
   a) Toys
   b) Shade and oxygen
   c) Computers
   d) Cars
3. ________ helps keep the environment clean.
   a) Throwing litter
   b) Recycling
   c) Wasting water
   d) Using plastic bags
4. We can conserve water by ________.
   a) Taking shorter showers
   b) Leaving taps running
   c) Wasting water
   d) Using more water
5. A trash can is used to ________.
   a) Store food
   b) Dispose of waste
   c) Decorate rooms
   d) Build houses
6. ________ is the foundation of the environment.
   a) Soil
   b) Rocks
   c) Sand
   d) Air
7. Recycling helps to ________.
   a) Increase waste
   b) Reduce waste
   c) Damage trees
   d) Waste energy
8. Animals help the environment by ________.
   a) Destroying plants
   b) Pollinating flowers
   c) Building houses
   d) Cleaning rivers
9. The environment at home includes ________.
   a) Trees only
   b) Classrooms
   c) Furniture and family
   d) Teachers
10. A shovel is used for ________.
    a) Cutting trees
    b) Digging soil
    c) Washing clothes
    d) Planting flowers

Class Activity Discussion

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with Answers

1. What is the environment?
   The environment is everything around us, like air, water, plants, and animals.
2. What is the importance of trees in the environment?
   Trees provide oxygen, shade, and homes for animals.
3. How can we care for the environment?
   By reducing waste, recycling, saving energy, and planting trees.
4. Why should we recycle?
   Recycling reduces waste and helps protect the environment.
5. What is the purpose of a trash can?
   To collect and dispose of waste properly.
6. What can we do to save energy?
   Turn off lights when not in use and unplug electronics.
7. What is water conservation?
   Saving water by turning off taps and using water responsibly.
8. What are examples of objects found in the environment?
   Trees, rocks, water, animals, and soil.
9. How do animals help the environment?
   They pollinate flowers and control pests.
10. Why is it important to clean up litter?
    To keep the environment safe and clean for everyone.
11. What are some tools used for cleaning the environment?
    Brooms, shovels, and rakes.
12. What is soil used for?
    Soil helps plants grow and stores water.
13. What is a reusable item?
    An item that can be used multiple times, like a water bottle.
14. How can we reduce waste?
    By using fewer disposable items and reusing materials.
15. Why is it important to plant trees?
    Trees improve air quality and provide habitats for animals.

Lesson Presentation

Teacher’s Activities

• Revise the previous topic on features of Nigerian traditional dance.
• Introduce the new topic by asking pupils to mention what they see around them.
• Display picture charts of environments and discuss their components.
• Explain ways to care for the environment with practical examples.

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in a walk around the school to identify objects in the environment.
• Group brainstorming to define the environment and ways to care for it.
• Complete handouts with questions on the topic.

Assessment (Evaluation Questions)

1. What is the environment?
2. Mention two ways to care for the environment.
3. Why should we recycle?
4. What do trees provide for the environment?
5. Name two objects found in the school environment.
6. How can we conserve water at home?
7. What is the use of a broom?
8. Mention two examples of natural objects in the environment.
9. Why is soil important?
10. Name one tool used to plant trees.

Conclusion

The teacher goes around to mark students’ work and provides feedback on their performance. Pupils are encouraged to practice caring for their environment at home and school.

Teaching Water and Environmental Sanitation to Children