Harvesting Activities: Steps involved, tools used, and recognizing the right time for harvesting crops Agricultural Science Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6

Agricultural Science Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6


Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: Primary 5
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 9 years
Topic: Harvesting Activities
Sub-topic: Steps in Harvesting, Tools for Harvesting, Timing for Harvesting
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives: By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  1. Describe the steps involved in harvesting crops.
  2. Enumerate tools used in harvesting crops.
  3. Recognize the right time for harvesting crops.

Keywords: Harvesting, Tools, Timing, Crops

Set Induction:
The teacher will start by discussing the importance of harvesting in agriculture and asking pupils what they think happens after crops are fully grown.

Entry Behaviour:
Pupils have previous knowledge of crop growth and post-planting activities.

Learning Resources and Materials:

  • Harvesting tools (e.g., sickles, knives)
  • Sample harvested crops
  • Charts or images showing harvesting processes
  • Agricultural Science Textbook

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
The teacher will link the lesson to previous activities, highlighting how successful crop growth leads to the important task of harvesting.

Embedded Core Skills:

  • Practical skills
  • Observation
  • Critical thinking

Learning Materials:

  • Agricultural Science Textbook
  • Real harvesting tools
  • Charts or images

Reference Books:

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Primary 5 Agricultural Science Textbook

Instructional Materials:

  • Charts showing steps in harvesting
  • Tools for demonstration
  • Sample crops for hands-on practice

Content:

1. Steps in Harvesting Crops:

  • Monitoring Crop Maturity: Observing crops to determine when they are ready to harvest. This includes checking for color changes, firmness, and overall readiness.
  • Preparing Tools: Gathering the necessary tools like sickles, knives, and baskets for harvesting.
  • Harvesting: Carefully cutting or picking the crops from the plant. This may involve cutting stalks, picking fruits, or uprooting vegetables.
  • Post-Harvest Handling: Sorting and cleaning the harvested crops, and storing them properly to avoid spoilage.

2. Tools Used in Harvesting Crops:

  • Sickles: Curved blades used to cut grain crops or grass.
  • Knives: Sharp tools for cutting vegetables or fruits.
  • Baskets: Containers used to collect and transport harvested crops.
  • Pruning Shears: Used for cutting branches or stems.

3. Recognizing the Right Time for Harvesting:

  • Indicators of Readiness: Changes in color, texture, and size of the crops. For example, fruits should be fully colored and firm, while grains should be dry and hard.
  • Seasonal Timing: Harvesting is often done during specific seasons when crops reach their peak maturity.

Questions:

  1. Monitoring crop _______ helps determine the right time to harvest.
    • a) Growth
    • b) Maturity
    • c) Size
  2. A _______ is a tool used to cut grain crops or grass.
    • a) Knife
    • b) Sickle
    • c) Basket
  3. Harvesting involves _______ or picking crops from the plant.
    • a) Watering
    • b) Cutting
    • c) Thinning
  4. _______ should be gathered before starting the harvesting process.
    • a) Tools
    • b) Seeds
    • c) Mulch
  5. A _______ is used to collect and transport harvested crops.
    • a) Hoe
    • b) Sickle
    • c) Basket
  6. Changes in color and firmness indicate that crops are _______ for harvesting.
    • a) Overripe
    • b) Ready
    • c) Unripe
  7. _______ shears are used for cutting branches or stems.
    • a) Pruning
    • b) Thinning
    • c) Weeding
  8. The process of sorting and cleaning harvested crops is part of _______.
    • a) Planting
    • b) Harvesting
    • c) Weeding
  9. Fruits should be _______ colored and firm when ready for harvest.
    • a) Green
    • b) Fully
    • c) Wilted
  10. _______ is a common tool used for cutting vegetables.
    • a) Hoe
    • b) Knife
    • c) Rake
  11. The right time for harvesting is often determined by _______.
    • a) Season
    • b) Planting
    • c) Weeding
  12. Harvesting should be done when crops are _______ in size and texture.
    • a) Small
    • b) Mature
    • c) Young
  13. Crops should be _______ properly to avoid spoilage after harvesting.
    • a) Stored
    • b) Watered
    • c) Fertilized
  14. A _______ is used to collect grains or vegetables after they are cut.
    • a) Basket
    • b) Hoe
    • c) Dibber
  15. Tools like sickles and knives are used for _______ crops.
    • a) Planting
    • b) Harvesting
    • c) Watering

Class Activity Discussion 

  1. Q: What is the first step in harvesting crops?
    A: The first step is to monitor the crops for maturity to determine when they are ready to harvest.
  2. Q: What tool is commonly used to cut grain crops?
    A: A sickle is commonly used to cut grain crops.
  3. Q: Why is it important to use the right tools for harvesting?
    A: Using the right tools helps ensure that the crops are harvested efficiently and with minimal damage.
  4. Q: How can you tell if a fruit is ready for harvesting?
    A: A fruit is ready for harvesting when it has changed to its mature color and is firm to the touch.
  5. Q: What is the purpose of post-harvest handling?
    A: Post-harvest handling involves sorting, cleaning, and storing crops properly to prevent spoilage and maintain quality.
  6. Q: What tool is used to collect harvested crops?
    A: Baskets are used to collect and transport harvested crops.
  7. Q: When should you use pruning shears?
    A: Pruning shears are used for cutting branches or stems during harvesting.
  8. Q: What are indicators that a crop is mature and ready for harvesting?
    A: Indicators include changes in color, texture, and size of the crop.
  9. Q: What is the role of a knife in harvesting?
    A: A knife is used to cut vegetables or fruits from the plant.
  10. Q: What should you do if a crop is not fully mature at harvest time?
    A: You should wait until the crop reaches full maturity before harvesting for best quality.
  11. Q: How does seasonal timing affect harvesting?
    A: Seasonal timing ensures that crops are harvested at their peak maturity for optimal quality and yield.
  12. Q: What is the best way to prevent spoilage of harvested crops?
    A: Proper sorting, cleaning, and storing of harvested crops help prevent spoilage.
  13. Q: Why is it important to handle harvested crops carefully?
    A: Careful handling prevents damage to the crops and helps maintain their quality.
  14. Q: What are some common harvesting tools?
    A: Common harvesting tools include sickles, knives, and baskets.
  15. Q: What should be done if the weather is unfavorable during harvest time?
    A: It is best to harvest when the weather is dry to prevent damage to the crops and spoilage.

Presentation:

Step 1: The teacher introduces the topic of harvesting activities by explaining the importance of properly harvesting crops to ensure they are collected at their best quality.

Step 2: The teacher demonstrates the steps involved in harvesting, including using various tools and recognizing signs of crop readiness. The teacher will also discuss and show examples of different tools used for harvesting.

Step 3: Pupils will practice harvesting activities using the tools demonstrated. They will also discuss and observe signs of crop maturity.

Teacher’s Activities:

  • Explain and demonstrate the steps of harvesting.
  • Show and describe the tools used for harvesting.
  • Supervise pupils as they practice harvesting techniques.

Learners’ Activities:

  • Observe and take notes on the steps involved in harvesting.
  • Participate in hands-on practice using harvesting tools.
  • Discuss the signs of crop maturity and recognize when crops are ready for harvest.

Assessment:

  1. Describe the steps involved in harvesting crops.
  2. Name three tools used in harvesting.
  3. What are the signs that crops are ready for harvest?
  4. Why is it important to use the right tools for harvesting?
  5. How should harvested crops be handled and stored?

Conclusion:
The teacher will review the key points of the lesson, check pupils’ understanding, provide feedback, and address any questions related to harvesting activities.


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