Preservation of roots and tuber crops; carrot, cassava, yam, Irish potato, cocoyam, sweet potato etc. Agricultural Science Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6

Agricultural Science Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6

Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 11 years
Topic: Preservation of Roots and Tuber Crops
Sub-topic: Methods of Preserving Cassava, Yam, Irish Potato, Cocoyam, Sweet Potato
Duration: 40 minutes

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

1. Identify different roots and tuber crops.
2. Explain the importance of preserving roots and tubers.
3. Describe methods of preserving cassava, yam, Irish potato, cocoyam, and sweet potato.

Keywords: Roots, Tubers, Preservation, Cassava, Yam, Irish Potato, Cocoyam, Sweet Potato.

Set Induction: Show samples of different roots and tuber crops and ask pupils to name them. Discuss why it is important to keep these crops fresh.

Entry Behaviour: Pupils are familiar with roots and tuber crops from previous lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials:

1. Samples of cassava, yam, Irish potato, cocoyam, and sweet potato.
2. Visual aids showing different methods of preserving roots and tubers.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge: Pupils have learned about preserving different types of farm produce and the importance of preservation.

Embedded Core Skills: Observation, critical thinking, problem-solving.

Learning Materials: Charts showing methods of preservation, storage containers, and examples of properly preserved roots and tubers.

Reference Books: Lagos State Scheme of Work for Primary Schools, Agricultural Science Textbooks.

Instructional Materials:

• Samples of roots and tubers (cassava, yam, Irish potato, cocoyam, sweet potato).
• Storage containers, charts, and diagrams showing preservation methods.

Content:

1. Importance of Preserving Roots and Tubers:

• To prevent spoilage and wastage.
• To maintain quality and nutritional value.
• To ensure availability throughout the year.
• To protect from pests and diseases.
• To enable safe storage and transportation.

2. Methods of Preserving Roots and Tuber Crops:

a) Drying:

• Explanation: Roots and tubers are dried to reduce moisture, making them less likely to spoil.
• Example: Cassava is often dried to make garri, which can be stored for long periods.

b) Freezing:

• Explanation: Freezing roots and tubers preserves them by maintaining a low temperature that prevents spoilage.
• Example: Irish potatoes can be frozen to keep them fresh for longer.

c) Storage in Cool, Dry Places:

• Explanation: Keeping roots and tubers in a cool, dry environment helps prevent moisture-related spoilage and sprouting.
• Example: Yam can be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent rot and sprouting.

d) Use of Preservatives:

• Explanation: Some roots and tubers are treated with preservatives to extend their shelf life and prevent pest attacks.
• Example: Sweet potatoes can be treated with preservatives before storage.

e) Traditional Methods:

• Explanation: In some areas, traditional methods such as using underground pits or clay pots are used to preserve roots and tubers.
• Example: Cocoyam may be stored in underground pits to keep it fresh.

Evaluation:

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:

1. Roots and tubers can be preserved by reducing their ______ content.
   a) Size
   b) Moisture
   c) Color
   d) Weight
2. ______ is a method where roots and tubers are dried to prevent spoilage.
   a) Freezing
   b) Drying
   c) Storage
   d) Treatment
3. Grains are kept fresh by maintaining a ______ temperature.
   a) High
   b) Warm
   c) Low
   d) Hot
4. Cassava is dried to make ______.
   a) Garri
   b) Flour
   c) Juice
   d) Oil
5. ______ helps to prevent spoilage of roots and tubers by maintaining a cool environment.
   a) Freezing
   b) Drying
   c) Spraying
   d) Cooking
6. Sweet potatoes can be treated with ______ before storage.
   a) Preservatives
   b) Water
   c) Sugar
   d) Salt
7. Traditional methods of preserving roots include using ______ pits.
   a) Underground
   b) Overhead
   c) Plastic
   d) Wooden
8. ______ can be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent rot.
   a) Yam
   b) Beans
   c) Lettuce
   d) Tomato
9. Freezing is a method used to preserve ______.
   a) Fish
   b) Meat
   c) Irish potatoes
   d) Eggs
10. Cassava is processed into ______ for long-term storage.
    a) Flour
    b) Juice
    c) Garri
    d) Chips
11. ______ helps to keep roots and tubers fresh for longer periods.
    a) Drying
    b) Cooking
    c) Boiling
    d) Frying
12. Preserving cocoyam can involve using ______ pits.
    a) Underground
    b) Air
    c) Fire
    d) Water
13. Preservatives are used to extend the ______ of roots and tubers.
    a) Color
    b) Size
    c) Shelf life
    d) Taste
14. Traditional storage methods often use ______ pots.
    a) Clay
    b) Metal
    c) Plastic
    d) Glass
15. ______ is a common method for preserving Irish potatoes.
    a) Drying
    b) Freezing
    c) Boiling
    d) Frying

Class Activity Discussion:

1. Why is it important to preserve roots and tubers?
   Answer: To prevent spoilage, maintain quality, and ensure availability throughout the year.
2. Name one method of preserving cassava.
   Answer: Drying (to make garri).
3. How does freezing help in preserving Irish potatoes?
   Answer: Freezing keeps the potatoes at a low temperature, preventing spoilage.
4. What is the benefit of storing roots and tubers in a cool, dry place?
   Answer: It prevents moisture-related spoilage and sprouting.
5. How can sweet potatoes be preserved for longer storage?
   Answer: By treating them with preservatives.
6. What is a traditional method used to store cocoyam?
   Answer: Using underground pits.
7. Why might farmers choose to dry cassava?
   Answer: To make garri, which can be stored for long periods.
8. What happens if roots and tubers are not properly preserved?
   Answer: They may spoil, lose quality, or be damaged by pests.
9. How does drying help in preserving roots and tubers?
   Answer: It reduces moisture, which helps prevent spoilage.
10. Can yam be stored in a cool, dry place? Why?
    Answer: Yes, to prevent rot and sprouting.
11. What type of container is used for preserving sweet potatoes?
    Answer: Containers treated with preservatives.
12. Why is it important to use traditional storage methods in some areas?
    Answer: Because they are suitable for local conditions and can effectively preserve crops.
13. How does treatment with preservatives extend the shelf life of roots and tubers?
    Answer: It prevents pests and slows down spoilage.
14. What are some benefits of using clay pots for storage?
    Answer: Clay pots can help regulate temperature and moisture levels.
15. What are some examples of tubers that need preservation?
    Answer: Cassava, yam, Irish potato, cocoyam, sweet potato.

Presentation:

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Preservation of Roots and Tuber Crops.”

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic by showing samples of different roots and tubers and discussing methods of preservation.

Step 3: The teacher allows pupils to share their ideas on how roots and tubers can be preserved and explains various methods used to preserve them.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Discuss and explain different methods of preserving roots and tubers.
• Use visual aids and samples to demonstrate how each method works.
• Encourage pupils to participate in the discussion and ask questions.

**Lear

Learners’ Activities:

• Observe and handle the samples of roots and tubers.
• Participate in discussions about preservation methods.
• Answer questions and contribute ideas about preservation techniques.

Assessment:

• Evaluate pupils’ understanding through responses to fill-in-the-blank questions and class activity discussion.
• Observe pupil participation in discussions and practical demonstrations.

Evaluation Questions:

1. What is the importance of preserving roots and tubers?
2. Describe one method used to preserve cassava.
3. How does freezing help preserve Irish potatoes?
4. Why is it important to store roots and tubers in a cool, dry place?
5. What method is used to preserve sweet potatoes?
6. Name a traditional storage method for cocoyam.
7. How does drying benefit the preservation of roots and tubers?
8. What is the impact of improper preservation on roots and tubers?
9. How can sweet potatoes be preserved effectively?
10. Describe the use of clay pots in traditional storage methods.

Conclusion: The teacher goes around to mark pupils’ work, providing feedback and ensuring they understand the methods for preserving roots and tubers.