Basic Science and Technology - Junior Secondary 3 - Environmental hazard II - Bush burning

TERM: 1^ST TERM

WEEK: 5

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 3

AGE: 14 years

DURATION: 40 minutes each for 2 periods

DATE:

SUBJECT: Basic Science

TOPIC: Environmental hazard II- bush burning

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

1. ) Define bush burning
2. ) Enumerate the practices that influence bush burning
3. ) Outline the effects and regulations of bush burning

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Basic Science textbooks for Junior Secondary School 3

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES: PERIOD 1-2:

NOTE

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD II- BUSH BURNING

Bush burning refers to the practice of deliberately setting fire to the vegetation in forests, grasslands, or agricultural fields. It is often done for land clearing, agricultural purposes, or to manage pastures.

Practices that Influence Bush Burning

• Agricultural Expansion: Farmers may burn bushes to clear land for farming, especially when the land is infertile or overgrown with weeds.
• Grazing: Livestock farmers might set fire to bushlands to promote fresh growth for their animals to graze on.
• Traditional Practices: In some areas, bush burning is a traditional practice meant to encourage the growth of specific plants or to improve soil fertility.
• Deforestation: Illegal logging or the clearing of land for urban expansion can lead to widespread bush burning.
• Inadequate Waste Disposal: Uncontrolled burning of waste materials, including wood, agricultural residues, and other organic matter, can escalate into bush fires.

Effects and Regulations of Bush Burning

• Effects:
• Environmental Damage: Bush burning leads to the destruction of ecosystems, the loss of biodiversity, and the depletion of soil nutrients.
• Air Pollution: The smoke from bush burning contributes to air pollution, leading to respiratory problems and the release of carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change.
• Soil Degradation: Repeated burning depletes the soil of vital nutrients, making it less fertile and more susceptible to erosion.
• Disruption of Wildlife: Animals lose their habitat, and many are killed in the fires, disrupting the local wildlife population.
• Health Hazards: People living near areas where bush burning is common may experience health risks due to smoke inhalation.

• Regulations:
• National and Local Laws: Many countries have regulations prohibiting indiscriminate bush burning. These laws require individuals to obtain permits before burning land or materials.
• Fire Management: Governments may enforce controlled burning or require firebreaks to prevent the spread of uncontrolled fires.
• Penalties for Illegal Burning: Those caught setting illegal bush fires may face fines or imprisonment.
• Awareness Campaigns: Many governments and environmental organizations run campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of bush burning and promote sustainable farming practices.
• Collaboration with Environmental Agencies: Coordination between forestry, environmental, and agricultural bodies to regulate and monitor land management practices that may lead to bush burning.

EVALUATION:

1. What are the main reasons people engage in bush burning, and how do these practices affect the environment?
2. Describe the different types of soil erosion caused by bush burning and their impact on the soil.
3. How do government regulations and policies help control bush burning, and why are they important for the environment?
4. Explain the relationship between bush burning and the loss of biodiversity.
5. Discuss the long-term effects of bush burning on human health and agricultural productivity.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively