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

Subject: Agricultural Science

Topic: Preservation of Roots and Tuber Crops

Duration: 1 hour

Class: Primary 6

Term: First Term

Week: 6

Previous Knowledge: Students should have a basic understanding of roots and tuber crops and their importance.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the importance of preserving roots and tuber crops.
• Learn various methods for preserving these crops.
• Identify the specific preservation techniques for crops like carrots, cassava, yam, Irish potato, cocoyam, and sweet potato.

Embedded Core Skills: Problem-solving, Observation, Basic Agricultural Knowledge

Learning Materials:

• Pictures or samples of roots and tuber crops
• Chalkboard and chalk
• Simple preservation materials like sand, sawdust, jute bags, etc.

Content

Preservation of Roots and Tuber Crops:

1. Why is it important?
   • We must keep our roots and tuber crops fresh so we can eat them even when they are not in season.
2. Different methods:
   • Drying: We can dry some roots and tubers in the sun to make them last longer.
   • Cool Storage: Others can be stored in cool, dark places.
3. Specific preservation for each crop:
   • Carrots: Keep them in the fridge or a cool, dry place.
   • Cassava: Peel, cut into small pieces, and let them dry in the sun.
   • Yam: Store yams in a cool and dark place.
   • Irish Potato: Keep them in a cool, dark place too.
   • Cocoyam: Wrap cocoyams in dry leaves or put them in a cool, dark place.
   • Sweet Potato: Store them in a cool, dry place.
4. Remember:
   • Keeping roots and tubers fresh helps us have good food even when it’s not the harvest season.
   • It also reduces food waste.

Now you know how to keep your favorite roots and tubers fresh for a long time! 😊

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:

1. To keep roots and tuber crops fresh, we use different ___________ methods. a) storage b) cooking c) planting d) harvesting
2. Carrots can be stored in a cool and ________ place. a) bright b) damp c) dark d) hot
3. For cassava, one preservation method is cutting it into small pieces and letting it _______ in the sun. a) cook b) dry c) grow d) wash
4. We can keep yams fresh by storing them in a cool and ________ place. a) sunny b) dry c) hot d) bright
5. Irish potatoes should also be stored in a cool and _______ place. a) dry b) damp c) hot d) dark
6. Wrapping cocoyams in _______ leaves is one way to preserve them. a) wet b) green c) dry d) plastic
7. Sweet potatoes can be preserved by storing them in a cool and _______ place. a) dry b) wet c) hot d) bright
8. Keeping roots and tubers fresh helps reduce ________ waste. a) food b) plastic c) water d) paper
9. Preservation of roots and tubers allows us to have good food even when it’s not ________ season. a) planting b) growing c) cooking d) harvest
10. What are the two main methods of preserving roots and tubers? __________ and cool storage.

Theory Questions:

11. Why is it important to preserve roots and tubers?
12. How can carrots be preserved to keep them fresh?
13. Describe the preservation method for cassava.
14. Explain how yams can be stored to maintain their freshness.
15. List three different roots or tubers you can preserve and the methods you’d use for each.

Step 1: Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin by discussing the importance of roots and tuber crops in our diet.
• Explain that preserving these crops is crucial to ensure they last longer.

Step 2: Preservation Methods (25 minutes)

• Introduce different methods of preserving roots and tubers, such as drying, storing in sand, jute bags, etc.
• Discuss each preservation method briefly.

Step 3: Specific Preservation Techniques (15 minutes)

• Explain preservation techniques for specific crops:
  • Carrots: Keep in the fridge or store in a cool, dry place.
  • Cassava: Peel, cut into smaller pieces, and dry in the sun.
  • Yam: Store in a cool, dark place.
  • Irish Potato: Store in a cool, dark place.
  • Cocoyam: Wrap in dry leaves or store in a cool, dark place.
  • Sweet Potato: Keep in a cool, dry place.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Explain preservation methods.
• Use visual aids to enhance understanding.
• Monitor students’ engagement and understanding.

Learners Activities:

• Listen to the explanations.
• Participate in discussions and ask questions.

Evaluation:

• Ask students questions to test their understanding of preservation methods.
• Present samples of roots and tubers for students to identify the best preservation method for each.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the importance of preserving roots and tuber crops.
• Encourage students to apply this knowledge to preserve crops at home and reduce food waste.