Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Junior Secondary 1

Environmental pollution I

TERM – 2ND TERM

WEEK TWO

Class: Junior Secondary School 1

Age: 12 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: BASIC SCIENCE

Topic: ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION –I

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to

  1. Define air, soil and water pollution
  2. Identify the causes of air, soil and water pollution

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers,

demonstration, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures,

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITY

STUDENT’S

ACTIVITY

STEP 1

INTRODUCTION

The teacher explains air pollution and identify the causes of air pollution

Students pay

attention

STEP 2

EXPLANATION

Teacher  explains soil pollution and identify the causes of soil pollution

Students pay

attention and

participate

 

STEP 3

DEMONSTRATION

Teacher  explains water pollution and identify the causes of water pollution

Students pay

attention and

participate

STEP 4

NOTE TAKING

The teacher writes a summarized

note on the board

The students

copy the note in

their books

 

NOTE

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION –I

Air Pollution

Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful or excessive quantities of substances in the Earth's atmosphere. These substances, known as pollutants, can be natural or human-made and include gases, particulate matter, and other harmful materials. Common air pollutants include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and particulate matter.

Causes of air pollution

  1. Combustion of Fossil Fuels: Burning coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes releases pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter into the atmosphere.
  2. Vehicle Emissions: Exhaust from cars, trucks, and other vehicles emits pollutants like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter.
  3. Industrial Activities: Manufacturing processes, power plants, and other industrial activities release a variety of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals.
  4. Agricultural Practices: Livestock farming, crop burning, and use of fertilizers and pesticides can release ammonia, methane, and other pollutants into the

Soil Pollution

Soil pollution, also known as soil contamination, refers to the presence of harmful substances in the soil that adversely affect its quality, fertility, and ability to support plant growth and sustain ecosystems. Soil pollutants can include heavy metals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, petroleum products, and other toxic substances. 

Causes of soil pollution

  1. Industrial Waste: Improper disposal of industrial waste, including chemicals, heavy metals, and toxic substances, can contaminate soil.
  2. Agricultural Runoff: Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture can lead to runoff, carrying pollutants such as nitrates, phosphates, and pesticides into the soil.
  3. Landfills: Improperly managed landfills can release leachate containing harmful chemicals and toxins, contaminating surrounding soil and groundwater.
  4. Mining Activities: Mining operations can release heavy metals, acids, and other pollutants into the soil, leading to soil degradation and contamination.

Water Pollution

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater. These substances can include chemicals, pathogens, nutrients, heavy metals, and other pollutants. 

Causes of water pollution

  1. Sewage and Wastewater: Discharge of untreated sewage and wastewater from households, industries, and sewage treatment plants introduces pathogens, nutrients, and pollutants into water bodies.
  2. Industrial Discharges: Industrial facilities discharge pollutants such as heavy metals, chemicals, and toxins into rivers, lakes, and oceans, contaminating water sources.
  3. Agricultural Runoff: Runoff from agricultural fields carries fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste into water bodies, causing nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms.
  4. Oil Spills: Accidental spills from oil drilling, transportation, and storage can release large quantities of oil into water bodies, causing extensive environmental damage and harming aquatic life.

EVALUATION: 1. Define air pollution

  1. Mention 5 causes of air pollution
  2. Mention 5 causes of water pollution
  3. Define solid pollution

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively