Agricultural Science Primary 5 Second Term Lesson Notes

Week 5: Benefits of Weeds

Subject: Agricultural Science

Class: Primary 5
Term: Second Term
Week: 5
Age: 9–10 years
Topic: Benefits of Weeds

Sub-Topic: Uses of Weeds as Animal Feed, Medicine, and Food

Duration: 40 Minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Enumerate the benefits of weeds to animals and humans.
2. Discuss how weeds are used as medicine.

Keywords: Weeds, benefits, animal feed, medicine, food

Set Induction

The teacher shows samples or pictures of weeds like guinea grass, bitter leaf, and waterleaf, asking pupils if they know how these plants are used.

Entry Behavior

Pupils have learned the harmful effects of weeds and their control in previous lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Samples of weeds like guinea grass, bitter leaf, and waterleaf
• Charts showing how weeds are used for various purposes
• Pictures of animals feeding on weeds

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Pupils understand that weeds are unwanted plants on the farm, but they may not know their benefits to humans and animals.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Observation
• Communication

Content

Benefits of Weeds

1. As Animal Feed
   • Some weeds, like guinea grass, elephant grass, and siam weed, are eaten by livestock such as goats, sheep, and cows.
   • These weeds provide essential nutrients for animal growth.
2. As Medicine
   • Certain weeds are used in traditional medicine to treat diseases.
   • Examples:
     • Bitter leaf: Used for treating fever and malaria.
     • Scent leaf: Used for treating stomachaches.
     • Aloe vera: Used for treating skin conditions and wounds.
3. As Food for Humans
   • Some weeds are edible and used in cooking.
   • Examples:
     • Waterleaf: Used to prepare soups and stews.
     • Pumpkin leaves: Common in vegetable dishes.
4. As Soil Improvers
   • Some weeds, when left to decay, improve soil fertility by adding nutrients.
5. As Raw Materials
   • Certain weeds are used in making products like ropes, baskets, and mats.

Evaluation

Fill-in-the-blank Questions
Choose the correct option (a, b, c, or d).

1. Weeds like guinea grass are used as ____.
   a. toys
   b. animal feed
   c. soil destroyers
   d. waste
   Answer: b
2. Bitter leaf is used in traditional medicine to treat ____.
   a. stomachaches
   b. headaches
   c. fever
   d. broken bones
   Answer: c
3. An example of a weed used as food for humans is ____.
   a. pumpkin leaves
   b. guinea grass
   c. aloe vera
   d. siam weed
   Answer: a
4. Weeds improve soil fertility when they ____.
   a. decay
   b. grow too much
   c. are uprooted
   d. dry up
   Answer: a
5. Aloe vera is used to treat ____.
   a. fever
   b. wounds and skin conditions
   c. stomachaches
   d. malaria
   Answer: b

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs)

Q1: Can weeds be useful?
A1: Yes, weeds can be useful as animal feed, medicine, and even food for humans.

Q2: Name a weed used as animal feed.
A2: Guinea grass is commonly used as animal feed.

Q3: How is bitter leaf useful?
A3: Bitter leaf is used in traditional medicine to treat fever and malaria.

Q4: What weed is used to make soups?
A4: Waterleaf is used in preparing soups and stews.

Q5: How do weeds improve soil fertility?
A5: When weeds decay, they release nutrients into the soil, improving its fertility.

Presentation Steps

1. Teacher’s Activities:
   • Explain the benefits of weeds using real examples and charts.
   • Discuss how specific weeds are used as food, medicine, and animal feed.
   • Guide pupils in identifying weeds with useful properties.
2. Learners’ Activities:
   • Identify weeds shown in class and state their benefits.
   • Participate in group discussions about traditional uses of weeds.
   • Share any personal knowledge about how weeds are used at home.

Assessment

Short-answer Questions

1. List three benefits of weeds.
2. Mention two weeds used as medicine and their uses.
3. What type of animals eat guinea grass?
4. How do weeds improve soil fertility?
5. Name one weed used to prepare vegetable dishes.

Conclusion

The teacher concludes by emphasizing that while weeds are often seen as harmful, some have significant benefits to humans, animals, and the environment. Pupils are encouraged to observe and identify useful weeds around their homes or farms.