- Class: Primary 5
- Term: 1st Term
- Week: 10
- Age: 10 years
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Subject: Pre Vocational Studies
- Curriculum Theme: Agricultural Science
- Previous Lesson: How To Grow Crops
- Topic: How To Grow Crops
- Content: Harvesting Matured Crops
Performance Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive domain: Define harvesting and identify signs of a matured crop ready for harvesting.
- Affective domain: Appreciate the importance of proper timing in harvesting crops.
- Psychomotor domain: Demonstrate how to correctly harvest a matured crop.
- Social Domain: Work collaboratively to harvest crops, respecting each other’s contributions.
Reference Materials:
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Information from GeeksforGeeks – Harvesting – Definition, Methods, Process, Importance and FAQs
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials:
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Sample matured crops (e.g., maize, tomatoes)
- Harvesting tools (e.g., sickle, basket)
- Pictures or charts showing stages of crop maturity
- Whiteboard and marker for illustrations
Rationale for the Lesson:
Understanding how to properly harvest matured crops is crucial for ensuring the quality of the produce and maximizing the yield. It is a vital skill for pupils, especially in agricultural communities, as it promotes food security and contributes to their overall understanding of farming practices.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge:
Pupils have previously learned how to plant and care for crops. They are familiar with the different stages of crop growth and can identify various crops.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
Learning Area: How To Grow Crops; Harvesting Matured Crops
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
| Content Development | Time | Teaching Method | Teaching Strategy | Teacher’s Activity | Pupils’ Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Introduction Introduce the lesson by asking pupils if they have seen crops being harvested before. Discuss briefly what harvesting means. | 5 mins | Discussion | Questioning | Ask pupils to share their experiences or what they know about harvesting. | Pupils respond by sharing their knowledge or experiences. | Pupils understand the basic concept of harvesting. |
| Step 2: Signs of Maturity Explain how to identify when a crop is ready for harvesting by showing pictures and examples of matured crops. | 10 mins | Explanation | Visual Aids | Show pictures of crops at different stages and point out signs of maturity. | Pupils observe the pictures and ask questions. | Pupils learn to identify matured crops. |
| Step 3: Harvesting Techniques Demonstrate how to use harvesting tools properly and safely. | 10 mins | Demonstration | Practical | Demonstrate the correct way to harvest using a sample crop and a sickle. | Pupils watch the demonstration and ask questions. | Pupils learn the correct techniques for harvesting crops. |
| Step 4: Group Activity Organize pupils into groups and have them practice harvesting using the sample crops provided. | 10 mins | Hands-on Activity | Group Work | Guide the pupils as they practice harvesting in groups. | Pupils work together to harvest the sample crops. | Pupils develop teamwork skills and practical harvesting experience. |
| Step 5: Conclusion Summarize the key points and explain the importance of proper harvesting to maintain crop quality. | 3 mins | Summary | Recap | Summarize the lesson, reinforcing the importance of harvesting crops correctly. | Pupils listen and reflect on what they’ve learned. | Pupils recall the importance and techniques of harvesting. |
| Note Taking Pupils copy down important notes on how to harvest matured crops. | 2 mins | Writing | Note-taking | Instruct pupils to write down the key points from the lesson. | Pupils take notes in their notebooks. | Pupils have a written summary of the lesson for future reference. |
| Evaluation Ask pupils questions to assess their understanding of the lesson. | 5 mins | Oral Questions | Formative Assessment | Ask pupils questions about the signs of maturity and techniques of harvesting. | Pupils answer questions and engage in discussion. | Pupils demonstrate their understanding of harvesting techniques. |
Lesson Content
How To Grow Crops: Harvesting Matured Crops
When crops have grown to their full size, it is time to harvest them. Harvesting means gathering mature crops from the fields. This is a crucial step in farming because it determines the quality of the food we eat.
Signs that a Crop is Ready for Harvesting:
- Color Change: The color of the fruit or vegetable changes, such as tomatoes turning red.
- Firmness: The crop becomes firm to touch, like maize kernels that harden.
- Size: The crop reaches its full size, as seen in large pumpkins.
- Dryness: Some crops, like grains, show signs of drying when ready.
How to Harvest:
- Use Proper Tools: For example, use a sickle to cut maize stalks at the base.
- Be Gentle: Handle the crops carefully to avoid damage.
- Work Quickly: Harvest crops promptly to prevent spoilage.
Lesson Evaluation:
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Define what harvesting means.
- List three signs that a crop is ready for harvesting.
- Describe how to properly harvest a matured crop.
- Demonstrate the correct way to use a sickle.
- Explain why it is important to harvest crops at the right time.
