Bush Burning: Dangers, Practices, and Prevention Basic Science JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5
Environmental Hazard: Bush Burning
Subject: Basic Science
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 12 – 14 years
Topic: Environmental Hazard – Bush Burning
Sub-Topic: Practices, Effects, and Regulations Against Bush Burning
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of bush burning.
- Identify practices that contribute to bush burning.
- Describe the environmental and economic effects of bush burning.
- State regulations and measures against bush burning.
- Suggest alternative land clearing methods that reduce environmental harm.
Keywords
- Bush Burning: The act of setting vegetation on fire intentionally or accidentally.
- Deforestation: Permanent clearing of forests or vegetation.
- Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with their environment.
- Soil Degradation: The decline in soil quality and fertility.
- Firebreak: A gap created to prevent the spread of fire.
Set Induction
The teacher introduces the topic by asking students:
- “Have you ever seen an open fire in a bush? What do you think happens to the animals and plants?”
This engages students by drawing on their personal experiences or observations.
Entry Behaviour
Students are familiar with land clearing practices such as burning and may have witnessed bush fires in their communities.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Picture charts showing bush burning.
- Videos illustrating the effects of bush burning.
- Samples of firebreak techniques and alternative land clearing tools.
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher relates the topic to students’ understanding of other environmental hazards, such as soil erosion, and how human activities can impact ecosystems.
Embedded Core Skills
- Environmental Awareness: Understanding the impact of bush burning on the environment.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluating the consequences of bush burning and exploring alternatives.
- Civic Responsibility: Recognizing the need to follow regulations for environmental protection.
Instructional Materials
- Basic Science Textbooks
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Whiteboard and Markers
Content
1. Practices that Influence Bush Burning
- Land Clearing for Farming: Farmers often burn bushes to prepare land for planting.
- Hunting Activities: Hunters set fires to flush out animals.
- Accidental Fires: Campfires or discarded cigarette butts can cause bush burning.
- Cultural Practices: Some communities burn bushes to mark festivals or seasons.
- Negligence: Unattended fires spread and become wildfires.
2. Effects of Bush Burning
- Environmental Effects:
- Loss of Biodiversity: Plants and animals are killed.
- Air Pollution: Smoke and gases released cause health problems.
- Soil Degradation: Nutrient-rich topsoil is destroyed.
- Climate Change: Release of greenhouse gases contributes to global warming.
- Economic Consequences:
- Loss of Farmland Productivity: Soil fertility reduces, leading to poor harvests.
- Damage to Infrastructure: Fires destroy properties, including homes and roads.
- Increased Costs: Communities bear costs for fire management and recovery efforts.
- Social Consequences:
- Forced Migration: People may relocate due to environmental damage.
- Health Issues: Respiratory problems arise from inhaling smoke.
3. Regulations Against Bush Burning
- Laws and Penalties:
- Government imposes fines and imprisonment for illegal bush burning.
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Educating the public on the dangers of bush burning.
- Firebreaks and Safety Measures:
- Communities are encouraged to create firebreaks to control the spread of fires.
- Community Involvement:
- People are urged to report illegal fires and help prevent bush burning.
Board Summary
- Bush Burning: Intentional or accidental setting of bushes on fire.
- Influencing Practices: Farming, hunting, negligence, and cultural activities.
- Effects: Loss of biodiversity, air pollution, soil degradation, and economic losses.
- Regulations: Fines, public awareness, firebreaks, and community involvement.
Class Activity Discussion (FAQs)
- What is bush burning?
- It is the setting of vegetation on fire intentionally or accidentally.
- Why do farmers burn bushes?
- To clear land for planting crops.
- What are the dangers of bush burning?
- It causes air pollution, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity.
- How does bush burning contribute to climate change?
- By releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
- What are firebreaks?
- Gaps created to stop the spread of fire.
- How does bush burning affect human health?
- It causes respiratory problems due to smoke inhalation.
- What are some alternatives to bush burning?
- Mulching, composting, and manual land clearing.
- How can communities prevent bush fires?
- By reporting illegal fires and creating firebreaks.
- What laws regulate bush burning?
- Government imposes fines and penalties for illegal burning.
- What role can students play in preventing bush burning?
- By raising awareness and reporting fires.
Teacher’s Activities
- Introduce the topic with visuals of bush burning.
- Guide students in identifying local causes and effects of bush burning.
- Lead a discussion on alternative land clearing methods.
- Explain the importance of following regulations against bush burning.
Learners’ Activities
- Participate actively in discussions and group activities.
- Identify alternative ways to clear land without burning.
- Answer worksheet questions on bush burning practices and effects.
Evaluation: 15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
- __________ is the intentional or accidental setting of vegetation on fire.
a) Bush burning
b) Deforestation
c) Mulching
d) Erosion - Farmers burn bushes to __________ land for planting.
a) clear
b) degrade
c) pollute
d) conserve - __________ causes respiratory problems due to smoke inhalation.
a) Air pollution
b) Flooding
c) Soil erosion
d) Afforestation - __________ is the loss of plant and animal life caused by bush burning.
a) Biodiversity loss
b) Reforestation
c) Overgrazing
d) Fertility gain - __________ is a gap created to prevent the spread of fire.
a) Firebreak
b) Canal
c) Road
d) Fence - __________ gases released during bush burning contribute to climate change.
a) Greenhouse
b) Nitrogen
c) Oxygen
d) Sulfur - __________ soil is destroyed during bush burning, reducing productivity.
a) Top
b) Sandy
c) Clay
d) Rocky - __________ is a safer alternative to burning for land clearing.
a) Mulching
b) Hunting
c) Overgrazing
d) Flooding - __________ campaigns educate the public on the dangers of bush burning.
a) Awareness
b) Famine
c) Recovery
d) Industrial - __________ penalties are given for illegal bush burning.
a) Fines
b) Rewards
c) Grants
d) Loans
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the lesson by emphasizing the harmful effects of bush burning and the importance of regulations. Feedback is given on students’ responses to the evaluation questions.