Importance and Management of Natural Resources for Primary 6

Lesson Plan: Resources Utilization

Subject: Social Studies

Class: Primary 6

Term: 2nd Term

Week: 2

Age: 10–11 years

Topic: Resources Utilization

Sub-topics:

• Importance of natural resources
• Over-utilization of natural resources
• Dangers of over-utilization of natural resources
• Problems of underutilization of natural resources

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Define natural resources and explain their importance.
2. Identify examples of natural resources in Nigeria.
3. Discuss the dangers of over-utilization of natural resources.
4. Explain the problems caused by underutilization of natural resources.
5. Suggest ways to manage natural resources effectively.

Keywords

• Resources: Materials found in nature used for human benefit.
• Utilization: The process of using resources.
• Over-utilization: Excessive use of resources leading to depletion.
• Underutilization: Not using resources to their full potential.
• Natural resources: Resources from nature such as water, soil, and minerals.

Set Induction

Begin by showing pupils pictures of different natural resources like rivers, forests, oil fields, and farmlands. Ask them:

• “What do you see in these pictures?”
• “Have you ever wondered why these things are important to us?”
  Explain that these are natural resources and that today’s lesson will help them understand how to use them wisely.

Entry Behavior

Pupils are familiar with the concept of nature and its resources, such as water, trees, and soil.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Flashcards showing natural resources
• Posters of forests, rivers, and mining areas
• Markers and whiteboard

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Ask pupils if they’ve seen farms, rivers, or forests near their homes. Discuss how these resources are used, such as water for drinking or wood for building. Link this discussion to today’s topic on the utilization of natural resources.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Problem-solving

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Social Studies textbook for Primary 6

Instructional Materials

• Flashcards and charts illustrating natural resources
• Examples of objects made from natural resources, such as wooden chairs or metal spoons

Content

1. Importance of Natural Resources

• Natural resources provide food, shelter, and clothing.
• They are the backbone of industries, e.g., oil for fuel, wood for furniture.
• They support economic development through exports, e.g., crude oil.
• Provide energy sources like coal, gas, and water.
• Sustain life by providing air, water, and land for farming.

Examples of natural resources in Nigeria:

• Crude oil in the Niger Delta.
• Cocoa in the South West.
• Coal in Enugu.
• Rivers for fishing and irrigation.
• Timber in Cross River State.

2. Over-utilization of Natural Resources

Over-utilization happens when resources are used excessively without giving them time to replenish.

Examples of over-utilization:

• Deforestation due to excessive cutting of trees.
• Overfishing in rivers and lakes.
• Excessive mining of minerals.

3. Dangers of Over-utilization of Natural Resources

• Depletion of resources: Resources like forests and minerals may run out.
• Environmental pollution: Oil spills, air pollution, and soil erosion.
• Climate change: Excessive use of fossil fuels contributes to global warming.
• Loss of biodiversity: Overfishing and deforestation reduce animal and plant species.
• Economic problems: Resource depletion can lead to unemployment and poverty.

4. Problems of Underutilization of Natural Resources

Underutilization occurs when natural resources are not used effectively or left unused.

Examples of problems caused by underutilization:

• Wastage of valuable resources.
• Poor economic growth.
• Unemployment due to lack of industries.
• Loss of opportunities for development.
• Dependence on imported goods instead of local resources.

5. Solutions for Effective Resource Management

• Avoid over-exploitation by replanting trees after cutting.
• Practice sustainable farming to maintain soil fertility.
• Use modern technology for efficient resource management.
• Educate people on the importance of conserving resources.
• Create government policies to regulate resource use.

Evaluation Requirements

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options

1. __________ are materials from nature that humans use for their benefit.
   a) Resources
   b) Furniture
   c) Machines
   d) Factories
   Answer: a) Resources
2. An example of a natural resource in Nigeria is __________.
   a) Cocoa
   b) Plastic
   c) Phones
   d) Bags
   Answer: a) Cocoa
3. Over-utilization of resources can lead to __________.
   a) Resource depletion
   b) Resource growth
   c) More resources
   d) Improved biodiversity
   Answer: a) Resource depletion
4. Cutting too many trees without replanting is called __________.
   a) Deforestation
   b) Afforestation
   c) Replanting
   d) Conservation
   Answer: a) Deforestation
5. Using resources wisely is known as __________.
   a) Over-utilization
   b) Resource management
   c) Resource wastage
   d) Exploitation
   Answer: b) Resource management
6. Natural resources like oil are used for __________.
   a) Fuel
   b) Plastic
   c) Toys
   d) Shoes
   Answer: a) Fuel
7. Excessive use of resources without replacing them leads to __________.
   a) Resource depletion
   b) Resource growth
   c) Increased employment
   d) Biodiversity growth
   Answer: a) Resource depletion
8. Overfishing can lead to __________.
   a) Reduced fish population
   b) Increased fish population
   c) Soil fertility
   d) Reforestation
   Answer: a) Reduced fish population
9. __________ refers to leaving resources unused.
   a) Underutilization
   b) Over-utilization
   c) Resource depletion
   d) Pollution
   Answer: a) Underutilization
10. The process of protecting natural resources is called __________.
    a) Conservation
    b) Exploitation
    c) Utilization
    d) Overfishing
    Answer: a) Conservation

Class Activity Discussion

1. What are natural resources? Give examples.
2. Why are natural resources important to Nigeria?
3. What is over-utilization, and what are its dangers?
4. How does underutilization affect economic growth?
5. Suggest ways to manage resources sustainably.

Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities

Teacher’s Activities:

• Explain the meaning of resource utilization.
• Show charts of natural resources.
• Guide pupils to discuss examples of over-utilization and underutilization.

Learners’ Activities:

• Identify natural resources from the pictures.
• Share examples of how they use resources at home.
• Participate in discussions about managing resources.

Assessment Questions

1. Define natural resources.
2. List three natural resources found in Nigeria.
3. What is over-utilization of resources?
4. State two dangers of over-utilization.
5. Mention one problem of underutilization.
6. How can we prevent resource depletion?
7. Give one example of a resource used for energy.
8. Why is it important to conserve natural resources?
9. Name a natural resource that supports farming.
10. What does sustainable farming mean?

Conclusion

The teacher will summarize the lesson by asking pupils to state the importance, dangers of over-utilization, and problems of underutilization of resources. Feedback will be provided through oral questioning and corrections.