- Class: Primary 5
- Term: 2nd Term
- Week: 6
- Age: 10 years
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Subject: Pre-Vocational Studies
- Curriculum Theme: Agricultural Science
- Previous Lesson: Chemical Control of Crop Weeds, Pests, and Diseases
- Topic: Identification of Some Common Insects Pest
- Content: Beetles, Weevil, Grasshopper, Locust, Caterpillar, Termite
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Identify at least five common insects pest.
- Affective Domain: Appreciate the importance of controlling insects pest in farming.
- Psychomotor Domain: Sketch or draw at least two common insects pest.
- Social Domain: Discuss ways of working together to control insects pest.
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: Britannica – Insect | Definition, Characteristics, Types
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Charts and flashcards with images of insect pests
- Real samples of insect pests (or models)
- Drawing materials (pencils, crayons, papers)
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding common insect pests is essential as they significantly affect food production. Learning about these pests helps pupils appreciate their roles in agriculture and their control.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils already know about harmful effects of weeds, pests, and diseases on crops from the previous lesson.
Instructional Procedures
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 | 5 mins | Set Induction | Questioning and Discussion | Asks pupils what they know about pests and if they’ve seen insects in their environment. | Respond and share their experiences. | Definition of insect pests. |
| Step 2: Identification | 10 mins | Explanation | Demonstration | Displays flashcards/models of common insect pests and names each. | Observe the images and listen attentively. | Visual identification of insect pests. |
| Step 3: Characteristics | 8 mins | Discussion | Guided Inquiry | Explains key characteristics of beetles, weevils, grasshoppers, and others. | Participate in the discussion by asking and answering questions. | Understanding pest features. |
| Step 4: Note Taking | 5 mins | Lecture | Direct Teaching | Guides pupils to copy short notes from the board. | Write the notes neatly in their books. | Recall and record pest types. |
| Step 5: Practical Activity | 7 mins | Hands-on Activity | Group Work | Guides pupils to draw/sketch any two insect pests of their choice. | Draw or sketch the assigned insect pests. | Sketching enhances understanding. |
| Step 6: Evaluation | 3 mins | Questioning | Oral Assessment | Asks questions to evaluate their understanding of the topic. | Answer questions orally. | Checks for comprehension. |
| Step 7: Conclusion | 2 mins | Recap | Reinforcement | Summarizes the topic and gives homework on insect pest control methods. | Listen and take note of homework. | Reinforcement of key concepts. |
Lesson Content
Identification of Some Common Insects Pest
Insect pests are small animals that damage crops by feeding on them or their parts. This can lead to poor yields and food scarcity. Below are ten common insect pests:
- Beetles – They bore into stored grains and crops.
- Weevils – Commonly found in stored grains, causing severe damage.
- Grasshoppers – Feed on leaves, leading to loss of green foliage.
- Locusts – A type of grasshopper known for destroying entire farms.
- Caterpillars – Larvae of butterflies and moths, feed on leaves.
- Termites – Eat plant stems and roots, weakening crops.
- Aphids – Suck plant sap, causing yellowing and stunted growth.
- Mealybugs – Affect fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
- Armyworms – Eat leaves and can destroy entire fields overnight.
- Whiteflies – Feed on plant sap and transmit diseases.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Define insect pests.
- Mention five common insect pests.
- Identify three characteristics of locusts.
- Draw a grasshopper and label its parts.
- Discuss one way to control insect pests.
Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan
Ensure pupils are engaged with visuals or physical models of the pests to enhance their understanding. Use local examples when possible to make the lesson relatable. Happy teaching!
