Animal Husbandry - Senior Secondary 2 - Practical on pasture grasses and legumes

TERM: 2^ND TERM

WEEK ELEVEN

Class: Senior Secondary School 2

Age: 16 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Topic: PRACTICAL ON PASTURE GRASSES AND LEGUMES

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

I.) Identify common pasture grasses and their botanical names

II.)  Identify common pasture legumes and their botanical names

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

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

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

NOTE

PRACTICAL ON PASTURE GRASSES AND LEGUMES

Practical Session: Identification of Common Pasture Grasses and Legumes

Objective:

The objective of this practical session is to familiarize students with the common pasture grasses and legumes, including their botanical names, in order to enhance their ability to identify and manage pasture vegetation effectively.

Materials Needed:

1. Field guidebooks or printouts with descriptions and images of common pasture grasses and legumes.
2. Sample specimens of grasses and legumes collected from local pastures.
3. Labeling materials (markers, tags) for identifying plant specimens.
4. Hand lenses or magnifying glasses for closer examination of plant characteristics.
5. Notebooks and pens for taking notes.

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):

   - Provide an overview of the importance of identifying pasture grasses and legumes for effective pasture management.

   - Explain the objectives and structure of the practical session.

2. Classroom Presentation (15 minutes):

   - Present a slideshow or handout with images and descriptions of common pasture grasses, including their botanical names, growth habits, and key identifying features.

   - Repeat the process for common pasture legumes, highlighting their botanical names, growth habits, and distinguishing characteristics.

3. Field Identification (45 minutes):

   - Divide students into small groups and distribute field guidebooks or printouts.

   - Take students to a nearby pasture or field where samples of common grasses and legumes are present.

   - Encourage students to use the guidebooks and their knowledge from the classroom presentation to identify the plants in the field.

   - Provide guidance and assistance as needed, pointing out key features for identification.

4. Hands-on Activity (30 minutes):

   - Provide students with sample specimens of common pasture grasses and legumes collected from the field.

   - Ask students to examine the specimens closely using hand lenses or magnifying glasses.

   - Have students label each specimen with its common name and botanical name based on their observations.

5. Group Discussion and Review (20 minutes):

   - Gather students together for a group discussion to review their findings and share their observations.

   - Facilitate a discussion on the key characteristics used to identify each grass and legume species.

   - Clarify any questions or uncertainties raised by students regarding plant identification.

6. Conclusion (10 minutes):

   - Summarize the main points of the practical session and emphasize the importance of ongoing practice and observation for improving plant identification skills.

Optional Extension:

- Invite a local botanist or agronomist to lead the practical session and provide expert guidance on plant identification.

- Organize a follow-up field trip to different pastures or ecosystems to expand participants' knowledge of plant diversity and identification skills.

EVALUATION: 1. Teacher evaluates the students based on their performance from the practicals.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively