Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 3
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
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Subject: Career Technology
Class: JHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 8
Grade code: B9.1.3.2.1
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: B8.5.3.1
Indicator code: B9.1.3.2.1
Theme: HEALTH AND SAFETY
Subtheme: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
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In our communities across Ghana, the way we cook our food and power our homes has a direct impact on our health and the environment around us. Many of us are familiar with the smoke from a charcoal "coal pot" or a firewood fire, which can cause coughing and eye irritation. We also know the challenges of "dumsor" and the cost of fuel. This lesson introduces us to cleaner, safer, and more efficient ways to get energy for our daily lives. We will explore "clean energy" and a special technology called "Improved Cookstoves" (ICS), which can help our families save money, stay healthier, and protect our beautiful environment.
Part 1: What is Clean Energy?
Clean energy is any form of energy that is produced from sources that do not pollute the atmosphere or harm the environment when used. It is often called "renewable energy" because its source will not run out, unlike petrol or diesel which come from fossil fuels.
Key Characteristics of Clean Energy: Low or Zero Emissions: They release very few or no harmful gases (like carbon dioxide or smoke) into the air. Renewable: The sources are naturally replenished. The sun will always shine, and the wind will always blow. Sustainable: They can be used for a very long time without damaging the planet for future generations.
Examples of Clean Energy Sources in Ghana: Solar Energy: Source: The Sun. How it works: Photovoltaic (PV) cells, commonly known as solar panels, capture sunlight and convert it directly into electricity. Ghanaian Context: We see solar panels on rooftops powering homes, on streetlights in our cities, and in small solar lanterns used in rural areas without electricity. Solar-powered boreholes are also becoming common for providing clean water. Hydroelectric Energy: Source: Moving water, usually from a large river. How it works: A dam is built to hold back a river, creating a large lake or reservoir. Water is then released through tunnels, spinning large machines called turbines, which generate electricity. Ghanaian Context: This is Ghana's main source of electricity. The Akosombo Dam on the Volta River is our most famous example. The Bui Dam is another major hydroelectric power source. Wind Energy: Source: The wind. How it works: Large windmills, called wind turbines, are turned by the wind. This spinning motion generates electricity. Ghanaian Context: While not as widespread as solar or hydro, there are wind farms being developed along Ghana's coast (e.g., near Ada) where the wind is strong and consistent. Biogas: Source: Organic waste, such as animal manure (cow dung), human waste, and leftover food. How it works: The waste is put into a sealed container called a digester. Bacteria break down the waste in the absence of oxygen and produce a flammable gas (methane), which can be piped to a stove for cooking. Ghanaian Context: This is very useful in communities with livestock farming. It turns waste into a valuable, clean cooking fuel.