• Class: Primary 5
  • Term: 2nd Term
  • Week: 9
  • Age: 10 years
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Subject: Pre-Vocational Studies
  • Curriculum Theme: Agricultural Science
  • Previous Lesson: Methods Of Pests Control
  • Topic: Meaning Of Diseases In Plants
  • Content: Definition of diseases in plants; causal agents – fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes.

Performance Objectives

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

  • Cognitive domain: Define plant diseases and list four causal agents of plant diseases.
  • Affective domain: Appreciate the importance of maintaining healthy plants for food security.
  • Psychomotor domain: Identify at least two common signs of diseases in plants from visual aids.
  • Social domain: Discuss the role of teamwork in managing plant diseases in a school farm.

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 – List of plant diseases
  • Relevant Textbooks.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Pictures and diagrams of diseased plants.
  • Flashcards showing causal agents of plant diseases.
  • Charts summarizing signs of plant diseases.
  • Whiteboard and marker.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding plant diseases helps pupils recognize their impact on agriculture and food security. It also equips them with basic knowledge to maintain healthy plants.


Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have learned about methods of pest control and are familiar with how pests can damage crops.


Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Content DevelopmentTimeTeaching MethodTeaching StrategyTeacher’s ActivityPupils’ ActivityLearning Point
Step 1: Introduction5 minsSet inductionQuestioning and discussionAsks pupils questions about pests and their effects on crops. Introduces the term “plant diseases.”Respond to questions and listen attentively.Understanding plant diseases.
Step 2: Explanation10 minsExpository methodUse of visuals and examplesDefines plant diseases. Shows pictures of diseased plants and explains their signs.Observe pictures and ask questions for clarification.Diseases affect plant growth and yield.
Step 3: Discussion7 minsInteractive methodGuided discussionDiscusses causal agents like fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Uses flashcards to show examples.Participate in the discussion and share observations.Causal agents of plant diseases.
Step 4: Note-taking5 minsExpository methodVisual aidsGuides pupils to copy notes on plant diseases and their causes.Copy notes neatly into notebooks.Key information about plant diseases.
Step 5: Evaluation5 minsAssessment methodQuestioningAsks pupils to answer questions based on the content taught.Answer questions orally or in writing.Assessing understanding of the topic.
Step 6: Conclusion3 minsSummaryRecap and reinforcementRecaps the lesson and emphasizes the importance of preventing plant diseases.Listen and ask final questions.Reinforcing the day’s lesson.
Teaching Strategy5 minsGuided practiceObservation and interactionShows additional examples of diseased plants and discusses possible preventive measures.Observe and contribute ideas.Preventing plant diseases.

Lesson Content

Meaning Of Diseases In Plants

Plant diseases refer to conditions that impair the normal growth, structure, or function of a plant. This means that diseased plants often show signs like yellowing leaves, wilting, or stunted growth.

Causes of Diseases in Plants:

  1. Fungi – Cause diseases like mildew and rust.
  2. Bacteria – Lead to conditions such as wilting and soft rot.
  3. Viruses – Result in mosaic patterns on leaves and stunted growth.
  4. Nematodes – Microscopic worms that damage plant roots.
  5. Environmental factors – Such as poor drainage or lack of nutrients.

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

  1. Define plant diseases.
  2. List four causal agents of plant diseases.
  3. Mention two signs of diseases in plants.
  4. Explain why it is important to control plant diseases.
  5. Discuss one way to prevent plant diseases.

Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan

Ensure pupils actively participate by observing pictures and answering questions. Use real-life examples to make the topic relatable. Encourage group discussions to enhance teamwork and collaboration. Happy teaching!

Last Update: January 18, 2025