• 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:

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 DevelopmentTimeTeaching MethodTeaching StrategyTeacher’s ActivityPupils’ ActivityLearning Point
Step 1: Introduction
Introduce the lesson by asking pupils if they have seen crops being harvested before. Discuss briefly what harvesting means.
5 minsDiscussionQuestioningAsk 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 minsExplanationVisual AidsShow 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 minsDemonstrationPracticalDemonstrate 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 minsHands-on ActivityGroup WorkGuide 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 minsSummaryRecapSummarize 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 minsWritingNote-takingInstruct 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 minsOral QuestionsFormative AssessmentAsk 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:

  1. Color Change: The color of the fruit or vegetable changes, such as tomatoes turning red.
  2. Firmness: The crop becomes firm to touch, like maize kernels that harden.
  3. Size: The crop reaches its full size, as seen in large pumpkins.
  4. Dryness: Some crops, like grains, show signs of drying when ready.

How to Harvest:

  1. Use Proper Tools: For example, use a sickle to cut maize stalks at the base.
  2. Be Gentle: Handle the crops carefully to avoid damage.
  3. Work Quickly: Harvest crops promptly to prevent spoilage.

Lesson Evaluation:

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

  1. Define what harvesting means.
  2. List three signs that a crop is ready for harvesting.
  3. Describe how to properly harvest a matured crop.
  4. Demonstrate the correct way to use a sickle.
  5. Explain why it is important to harvest crops at the right time.