Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 3
UNDERSTANDING THE ENVIRONMENT
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UNDERSTANDING THE ENVIRONMENT
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Subject: Science
Class: JHS 3
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 13
Grade code: B9.5.5.1.1
Strand code: 5
Sub-strand code: 5
Content standard code: B9.5.5.1
Indicator code: B9.5.5.1.1
Theme: HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Subtheme: UNDERSTANDING THE ENVIRONMENT
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Plants are a major part of Ghana’s environment and daily life. We use different plant parts for farming (food production, animal rearing, soil improvement) and for non-farming purposes (medicine, building, furniture, ceremonies, crafts). Understanding which plant parts are used and how they are used helps learners to: appreciate local resources, make wise environmental choices (avoid waste and deforestation), support livelihoods (farming, carpentry, herbal practice, crafts). This lesson focuses on showing and listing the uses of different plant parts for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes.
A. Key Terms Environment: Everything around us—living things (plants, animals, humans) and non-living things (air, water, soil). Plant parts: Structures of a plant that perform specific functions and can be used by humans. Agricultural uses: Uses related to farming—crop production, animal production, soil management, pest/disease control. Non-agricultural uses: Uses not directly related to farming—medicine, construction, furniture, crafts, ceremonies, education, etc. B. Main Plant Parts and Their Functions (Quick Science Link) Understanding function helps us understand use: Roots: absorb water/minerals; anchor plant; store food (e.g., cassava). Stems: support plant; transport water/food; can store food (e.g., sugarcane). Bark: protects stem; contains useful chemicals (tannins, medicinal compounds). Leaves: make food (photosynthesis); some store water/chemicals; used as vegetables. Flowers: reproduction; attract pollinators; some are edible/medicinal. Fruits: protect seeds; aid seed dispersal; food. Seeds: reproduction; food store; planting materials.
C. Uses of Plant Parts for Agricultural Purposes (with Ghanaian examples) 1) Planting materials (propagation) Seeds: maize, rice, cowpea, groundnut, okro seeds. Stem cuttings: cassava, sugarcane. Suckers: plantain, banana. Tubers/corms: yam setts, cocoyam corms.
Example (community context): A farmer in Brong Ahafo plants cassava stem cuttings (about 20–25 cm long) rather than seeds because cassava rarely planted by seed. 2) Tools and farm implements Wood (stem/trunk): handles for hoes, cutlasses, rakes; pestles and mortars. Bamboo stems: stakes for tomatoes, garden fencing, simple irrigation channels.
Example: Bamboo stakes support tomato plants to reduce fruit rot and improve yield. 3) Animal housing and fencing Stems/wood: poles for kraals, goat pens, poultry houses. Palm fronds / raffia: roofing for animal shelters. Thorns/branches: live fencing (e.g., using thorny plants). 4) Animal feed Leaves: cassava leaves (processed properly), cocoyam leaves (careful preparation), elephant grass, moringa leaves. Fruits/peels: plantain peels, mango waste, pineapple waste (in some feed mixes). Seeds/grains: maize, millet, sorghum for poultry. Oilseed cakes: from groundnut/soybean after oil extraction (where available).