# Lesson Plan: Farming Systems - Mono Cropping
## Grade Level: Junior Secondary 2
## Subject: Agricultural Science
## Duration: 60 minutes
### Objectives:
1. Define and understand the concept of mono cropping.
2. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of mono cropping.
3. Discuss the different types of crops commonly used in mono cropping.
4. Evaluate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of mono cropping.
### Materials Needed:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and laptop for presentation (optional)
- Chart papers
- Markers and pens
- Handouts with key points
- Sample seeds or pictures of mono crops (e.g., wheat, corn, rice)
- Case study or article on mono cropping
### Lesson Structure:
#### Introduction (10 minutes)
1. **Greeting and Warm-up Activity**
- Start with a short discussion on students' personal experiences or observations related to farming.
- Ask: "Has anyone seen a field where only one type of crop is grown? What do you think about it?"
2. **Objective Overview**
- Clearly explain the objectives of the lesson.
- Provide a brief outline of what will be covered.
#### Presentation (15 minutes)
1. **What is Mono Cropping?**
- Define mono cropping: "Mono cropping, also known as monoculture, is the agricultural practice of growing a single crop species on a particular field at a time."
- Use visual aids (slides/pictures) to show examples of mono cropping.
2. **Examples of Mono Crops**
- Discuss common mono crops such as wheat, rice, corn, and soybeans.
- Display actual samples (seeds) or pictures.
3. **Advantages of Mono Cropping**
- High efficiency in planting, managing, and harvesting.
- Easier pest and weed control due to uniform cropping.
- Consistency in product quality.
4. **Disadvantages of Mono Cropping**
- Depletion of specific soil nutrients, leading to soil degradation.
- Higher vulnerability to pests and diseases.
- Increased risk of crop failure due to adverse weather conditions.
- Reduced biodiversity.
#### Activity (20 minutes)
1. **Group Discussion and Poster Creation**
- Divide the class into small groups and distribute chart papers, markers, and handouts.
- Ask each group to create a poster presenting:
- One advantage and one disadvantage of mono cropping.
- A potential solution to one disadvantage.
- Encourage creativity and teamwork.
- Each group will present their poster to the class.
#### Case Study (10 minutes)
1. **Real-life Application**
- Distribute a brief case study or article about a farm practicing mono cropping.
- Have students read the case study individually or in pairs.
- Discuss the case study as a class, focusing on the practical impacts observed.
#### Conclusion (5 minutes)
1. **Summary Recap**
- Highlight the key points covered in the lesson: definition, advantages, disadvantages, examples, and impacts.
- Ask questions to reinforce understanding.
- Example questions: "Can anyone summarize what mono cropping is?" or "What are some of the risks associated with mono cropping?"
2. **Homework Assignment**
- Assign students to write a short essay on whether they think mono cropping is a sustainable practice and why or why not. Ask them to include at least one solution to a disadvantage of mono cropping.
### Assessment:
- Participation in discussions and group activity.
- Quality and creativity of group posters.
- Understanding demonstrated through answers during conclusion recap.
- Completeness and thoughtfulness of homework essay.
### Extension Activities:
- Research different farming systems such as crop rotation, intercropping, and agroforestry.
- Invite a local farmer to speak about their experiences with different farming systems.
- Field trip to a local farm practicing mono cropping or other sustainable farming practices.
By the end of the lesson, students will have a comprehensive understanding of mono cropping, its effects, and considerations for its use in agriculture.