Flooding: Causes, Effects, and Prevention Basic Science JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6
Environmental Hazard: Flooding
Subject: Basic Science
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 12 – 14 years
Topic: Environmental Hazard – Flooding
Sub-Topic: Causes, Effects, and Prevention of Flooding
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define flooding and explain drainage patterns.
- Identify the causes of flooding.
- Describe the effects of flooding on communities and farmlands.
- Suggest ways to prevent flooding.
- Recognize the importance of proper drainage systems.
Keywords
- Flooding: The overflow of water onto dry land.
- Drainage Patterns: The natural or man-made ways water flows and drains from an area.
- Erosion: The washing away of soil by water.
- Urbanization: Expansion of cities leading to loss of natural water channels.
- Climate Change: Long-term weather changes contributing to extreme rainfall.
Set Induction
The teacher asks students:
- “Have you experienced heavy rainfall that caused streets or farmlands to flood? What do you think causes this?”
This encourages students to reflect on their experiences and relate them to the topic.
Entry Behaviour
Students may have witnessed flooding in their environment and understand its impacts on daily life and agricultural activities.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Picture charts showing flooded areas.
- Short videos illustrating flooding events and their consequences.
- Map of Nigeria showing flood-prone areas.
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher connects the topic to previous lessons on soil erosion and human activities that affect the environment, emphasizing that floods are part of broader environmental challenges.
Embedded Core Skills
- Environmental Awareness: Understanding how human activities contribute to flooding.
- Problem-Solving: Exploring practical ways to prevent flooding.
- Civic Responsibility: Recognizing the role of communities in flood prevention.
Instructional Materials
- Basic Science Textbooks
- Whiteboard and Markers
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
Content
1. Definition of Flooding
Flooding is the overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. It can result from excessive rainfall, overflowing rivers, or blocked drainage systems.
2. Drainage Patterns
- Natural Drainage: Rivers, streams, and wetlands channel water away.
- Man-made Drainage: Roads, gutters, and canals help manage water flow.
3. Causes of Flooding
- Heavy Rainfall: Excessive rain that the ground and drainage systems cannot absorb.
- Poor Drainage Systems: Blocked or poorly maintained gutters.
- Urbanization: Building on natural water channels without proper planning.
- Deforestation: Cutting down trees reduces water absorption by the soil.
- Climate Change: Rising sea levels and unpredictable weather patterns increase the likelihood of floods.
4. Effects of Flooding on Community and Farmland
- Destruction of Property: Homes and public infrastructure are damaged.
- Loss of Lives: People and animals may drown or suffer injuries.
- Soil Erosion: Farmlands lose fertile soil, reducing crop production.
- Spread of Diseases: Stagnant water becomes breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
- Economic Losses: Floods disrupt businesses and agricultural activities.
5. Prevention of Flooding
- Good Drainage Systems: Regular maintenance of gutters and canals.
- Afforestation: Planting trees to absorb water and prevent soil erosion.
- Proper Waste Disposal: Avoiding waste dumping in gutters and drainage channels.
- Urban Planning: Building according to government-approved drainage plans.
- Flood Awareness Campaigns: Educating communities about flood risks and preparedness.
Board Summary
- Flooding: Overflow of water onto dry land.
- Causes: Heavy rainfall, poor drainage, urbanization, deforestation, and climate change.
- Effects: Property damage, soil erosion, disease spread, and economic losses.
- Prevention: Good drainage, afforestation, proper waste disposal, urban planning, and awareness campaigns.
Class Activity Discussion (FAQs)
- What is flooding?
- The overflow of water onto land that is usually dry.
- What causes floods?
- Heavy rainfall, blocked drainage, deforestation, and urbanization.
- How does urbanization cause flooding?
- By covering natural water channels with roads and buildings.
- What are the effects of floods on farmlands?
- Soil erosion and reduced crop yields.
- Why is deforestation a cause of flooding?
- Without trees, soil cannot absorb rainwater effectively.
- How do floods affect health?
- They spread diseases like malaria from stagnant water.
- What role do drainage systems play in preventing floods?
- They channel water away from roads and buildings.
- How does climate change contribute to flooding?
- By causing unpredictable rainfall and rising sea levels.
- What is afforestation?
- Planting trees to restore lost forests.
- How can students help prevent flooding?
- By participating in environmental campaigns and keeping drains clean.
Teacher’s Activities
- Display visuals of flooded areas and discuss the causes with students.
- Engage students in identifying flood-prone areas in their community.
- Lead a brainstorming session on how communities can prevent floods.
- Explain how deforestation and poor waste disposal worsen flooding.
Learners’ Activities
- Participate actively in discussions and share personal experiences of floods.
- Suggest practical ways to prevent flooding in their environment.
- Complete worksheets on causes and prevention of floods.
Evaluation: 15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
- __________ is the overflow of water onto dry land.
a) Flooding
b) Deforestation
c) Erosion
d) Urbanization - __________ occurs when drainage systems are blocked with waste.
a) Flooding
b) Afforestation
c) Irrigation
d) Pollution - __________ refers to planting trees to prevent soil erosion and flooding.
a) Afforestation
b) Deforestation
c) Urbanization
d) Desertification - Floods spread __________, such as malaria and cholera.
a) diseases
b) seeds
c) smoke
d) crops - __________ systems help channel water away from streets.
a) Drainage
b) Sewage
c) Electric
d) Irrigation - Climate change contributes to flooding by causing __________ sea levels.
a) rising
b) falling
c) stable
d) moderate - __________ can destroy houses, roads, and bridges.
a) Floods
b) Trees
c) Birds
d) Storms - Urbanization reduces the amount of __________ that absorbs rainwater.
a) land
b) water
c) air
d) sunlight - Proper waste disposal prevents __________ of drainage channels.
a) blockage
b) irrigation
c) erosion
d) contamination - Floods cause __________, making it hard for farmers to grow crops.
a) soil erosion
b) soil fertility
c) afforestation
d) reforestation
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the lesson by emphasizing the importance of proper drainage, urban planning, and community participation in preventing floods. Feedback is provided on students’ answers to the evaluation questions.