Post Harvesting Activities, Sorting, grading, and storage Agricultural Science Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8

Agricultural Science Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8


Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: Primary 5
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 9 years
Topic: Post-Harvesting Activities
Sub-topic: Sorting, Grading, and Storage
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives: By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  1. Explain post-harvesting activities.
  2. Outline the importance of post-harvesting activities.
  3. Carry out the sorting of harvested crops from the school farm.

Keywords: Post-Harvesting, Sorting, Grading, Storage, Importance

Set Induction:
The teacher will start by asking pupils what happens to crops after they are harvested and why it might be important to sort and store them properly.

Entry Behaviour:
Pupils have knowledge of harvesting activities from previous lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials:

  • Samples of harvested crops
  • Sorting and grading tools (e.g., trays, scales)
  • Charts or images illustrating sorting and grading processes
  • Agricultural Science Textbook

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
The teacher will connect the lesson to the previous topics on harvesting and emphasize how post-harvesting activities are the final steps to ensure crops are ready for sale or consumption.

Embedded Core Skills:

  • Practical skills
  • Organization
  • Critical thinking

Learning Materials:

  • Agricultural Science Textbook
  • Sorting and grading tools
  • Sample crops

Reference Books:

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

Instructional Materials:

  • Charts showing sorting and grading processes
  • Tools for sorting and grading
  • Sample crops for hands-on practice

Content:

1. Post-Harvesting Activities:

  • Sorting: The process of separating crops based on size, quality, or type. This helps in identifying damaged or inferior crops.
  • Grading: Categorizing crops into different grades based on quality. Higher grades are usually for premium markets, while lower grades might be used for processing.
  • Storage: The method of keeping crops in a safe place to maintain their quality. Proper storage helps in preventing spoilage and maintaining freshness.

2. Importance of Post-Harvesting Activities:

  • Prevents Spoilage: Proper sorting and storage help in preventing crop spoilage.
  • Enhances Quality: Grading ensures that only the best quality crops are sold at higher prices.
  • Improves Shelf Life: Good storage practices extend the shelf life of crops, making them available for longer periods.

3. Carrying Out Sorting:

  • Sorting Process: Use tools to separate crops based on size, color, and quality. Remove any damaged or diseased crops.
  • Organizing: Place sorted crops into different containers or sections based on their grade.

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:

  1. Post-harvesting activities include sorting, grading, and _______.
    • a) Planting
    • b) Watering
    • c) Storage
  2. Sorting involves separating crops based on _______.
    • a) Color
    • b) Size
    • c) Both
  3. _______ helps in identifying and removing damaged or inferior crops.
    • a) Harvesting
    • b) Sorting
    • c) Planting
  4. Grading categorizes crops into different _______ based on quality.
    • a) Types
    • b) Grades
    • c) Sizes
  5. Proper _______ helps in preventing spoilage of crops.
    • a) Planting
    • b) Sorting
    • c) Storage
  6. The main purpose of grading is to ensure crops are sold at _______ prices.
    • a) Higher
    • b) Lower
    • c) Same
  7. Storage methods help in maintaining the _______ of crops.
    • a) Freshness
    • b) Shape
    • c) Color
  8. Higher-grade crops are usually sold in _______ markets.
    • a) Premium
    • b) Local
    • c) Wholesale
  9. Sorting and grading are part of the _______ activities.
    • a) Pre-planting
    • b) Harvesting
    • c) Post-harvesting
  10. Crops are organized based on _______ after sorting.
    • a) Type
    • b) Quality
    • c) Age
  11. Removing damaged crops is part of the _______ process.
    • a) Planting
    • b) Sorting
    • c) Fertilizing
  12. Proper _______ practices help in extending the shelf life of crops.
    • a) Harvesting
    • b) Grading
    • c) Storage
  13. Post-harvesting activities are important for maintaining _______.
    • a) Crop health
    • b) Soil quality
    • c) Crop quality
  14. The process of placing crops into different containers based on grade is called _______.
    • a) Sorting
    • b) Grading
    • c) Organizing
  15. _______ helps in preventing the spread of diseases in stored crops.
    • a) Sorting
    • b) Storage
    • c) Planting

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with Answers:

  1. Q: What are the main post-harvesting activities?
    A: The main post-harvesting activities are sorting, grading, and storage.
  2. Q: Why is sorting important in post-harvesting?
    A: Sorting is important to remove damaged or inferior crops and to ensure that only quality crops are selected for further processing or sale.
  3. Q: How does grading affect the sale of crops?
    A: Grading categorizes crops into different quality levels, allowing for higher prices for premium quality crops.
  4. Q: What is the role of storage in post-harvesting?
    A: Storage helps in maintaining the quality and freshness of crops and prevents spoilage.
  5. Q: How can sorting improve the quality of harvested crops?
    A: Sorting improves quality by removing defective or diseased crops and ensuring that only high-quality crops are kept.
  6. Q: What tools are used for sorting and grading?
    A: Tools like trays, scales, and sorting bins are used for sorting and grading crops.
  7. Q: Why is it important to remove damaged crops during sorting?
    A: Removing damaged crops helps prevent spoilage and ensures that only healthy crops are stored or sold.
  8. Q: How does grading affect the market value of crops?
    A: Grading affects the market value by determining which crops are sold at premium prices and which are sold at lower prices.
  9. Q: What are some common methods of storing harvested crops?
    A: Common methods include using storage bins, silos, or refrigerated facilities.
  10. Q: How does proper storage extend the shelf life of crops?
    A: Proper storage controls temperature, humidity, and ventilation, which helps prevent spoilage and extends the shelf life of crops.
  11. Q: What factors are considered during the grading process?
    A: Factors include size, color, texture, and overall quality of the crops.
  12. Q: What is the impact of poor post-harvesting practices on crop quality?
    A: Poor post-harvesting practices can lead to spoilage, reduced quality, and financial loss.
  13. Q: How often should crops be sorted and graded?
    A: Crops should be sorted and graded regularly, typically after harvesting, to ensure quality.
  14. Q: What should be done with crops that do not meet grading standards?
    A: Crops that do not meet grading standards can be used for processing or sold at a lower price.
  15. Q: How can sorting and grading affect the overall efficiency of crop production?
    A: Effective sorting and grading improve the efficiency of crop production by ensuring that high-quality crops are prioritized and reducing waste.

Presentation:

Step 1: The teacher will introduce the topic of post-harvesting activities by discussing their importance and how they affect crop quality and market value.

Step 2: The teacher will demonstrate sorting, grading, and storage techniques using harvested crops. Pupils will observe how to sort and grade crops and the proper methods for storing them.

Step 3: Pupils will practice sorting and grading harvested crops from the school farm. They will also discuss the importance of proper storage techniques.

Teacher’s Activities:

  • Explain and demonstrate post-harvesting activities.
  • Show how to sort and grade crops.
  • Supervise pupils as they practice sorting and grading.

Learners’ Activities:

  • Observe and take notes on post-harvesting processes.
  • Participate in sorting and grading harvested crops.
  • Discuss the importance of proper storage and its impact on crop quality.

Assessment:

  1. Explain the steps involved in post-harvesting activities.
  2. What are the benefits of sorting and grading crops?
  3. How does proper storage help in maintaining crop quality?
  4. Describe how you would sort harvested crops.
  5. Why is it important to handle crops carefully during post-harvesting?

Conclusion:
The teacher will review the key points of the lesson, check pupils’ understanding, and provide feedback on their sorting and grading practice. The teacher will also address any questions related to post-harvesting activities.


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