Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - Basic 2

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Explain what the environment is
• Describe how our actions affect the environment
• List ways to protect the environment
• Recognize the importance of conservation

Lesson summary

Science Lesson Note: Grade 2 - Humans and the Environment Overview and Learning Objectives Hello, class! Today, we're going to explore how important it is for us humans to take care of our environment. Our environment is everything around us – the land, the water, the air, the plants, and the animals. Taking care of the environment is like taking care of our own home! When we keep our environment clean and healthy, we also stay healthy. We will learn about the things we can do to protect our environment and why it's so important.

Lesson notes

Environment: The environment is everything around us. It includes the land, water, air, plants, animals, and even things we build like houses and roads. How Humans Depend on the Environment: We rely on the environment for many things. Food: We get food from plants (like maize, rice, and vegetables) and animals (like chickens, goats, and fish) that grow in the environment. Water: We need clean water to drink, cook, and wash. Water comes from rivers, lakes, and the rain, all part of the environment. Air: We need clean air to breathe. Plants in the environment help clean the air. Shelter: We use materials from the environment, like wood from trees and clay from the ground, to build our houses. Medicines: Some medicines we use come from plants found in the environment. Things That Harm the Environment: Unfortunately, some things we do can hurt the environment. Pollution: This means making the environment dirty. Air Pollution: Burning rubbish releases smoke and harmful gases into the air, making it hard to breathe. Cars and factories also cause air pollution. Water Pollution: Throwing rubbish into rivers and streams makes the water dirty and unsafe for people and animals. Factories can also release harmful chemicals into the water. Land Pollution: Throwing rubbish on the ground makes the land dirty and can harm plants and animals. Using too many chemicals on farms can also pollute the land. Deforestation: Cutting down too many trees without planting new ones can lead to soil erosion (the soil being washed away), loss of animal habitats, and climate change. Overfishing: Catching too many fish in the sea and rivers leads to a decrease in the number of fishes available. How We Can Protect the Environment: There are many things we can do to help! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (the 3 R's): Reduce: Use less of things. For example, bring your own bag when you go to the market instead of taking a new plastic bag each time. Reuse: Use things again. For example, use empty water bottles to water your plants or turn old clothes into cleaning rags. Recycle: Turn old things into new things. For example, old paper can be recycled into new paper. Plant Trees: Trees help clean the air and provide shade. Planting trees helps to replace those that have been cut down. Conserve Water: Don't waste water. Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth and take shorter showers. Pick Up Litter: Always throw rubbish in the bin. If you see rubbish on the ground, pick it up and put it in the bin. Walk or Cycle: Instead of using a car or motorcycle for short distances, walk or ride your bicycle. This helps reduce air pollution.

Example: Ama's family lives near a stream. People sometimes throw rubbish into the stream. This makes the water dirty, and the fish start to die. Ama's family can help by organizing a clean-up day to remove the rubbish from the stream. They can also teach their neighbours not to throw rubbish into the stream. Guided Practice (With Solutions) Question: Kwame's family wants to start a garden. List two things the garden will provide for Kwame's family that come from the environment. Solution: Food (vegetables, fruits). Fresh air (plants help clean the air). Commentary: This question checks the learners' understanding of how humans depend on the environment. Question: Akosua sees someone throwing a plastic bottle into the gutter. What problem can this cause for the environment? Solution: This can cause water pollution (if the gutter leads to a river or stream) or land pollution (if the bottle stays on the ground). It can also block the gutter, causing flooding when it rains. Commentary: This question focuses on things that harm the environment. Question: Kofi's family has many plastic bags. Suggest one way Kofi's family can *reuse* some of the bags instead of throwing them away. Solution: They can reuse the bags for shopping at the market or for carrying other items. Commentary: This question introduces the concept of reuse. Question: Adwoa wants to reduce the amount of water she uses when brushing her teeth. What can she do? Solution: Adwoa can turn off the tap while she is brushing her teeth and only turn it on to rinse her mouth. Commentary: This question focuses on conserving water to protect the environment. Question: Your community wants to have cleaner air. What is something easy everyone can do to contribute? Solution: Encourage people to walk or cycle instead of using cars or motorcycles for short distances. Plant more trees in the community. Avoid burning rubbish. Commentary: This question reinforces the need to take environmental action for public health and quality of life. Independent Practice (Questions Only) Name three things that you get from the environment. What is pollution? Give an example of land pollution. Why is it important to plant trees? Give two reasons. What are the three R's? Give an example of each. Abena’s family burns their rubbish every week. What is another way they can get rid of their rubbish that is better for the environment? How can you help to keep your school compound clean? Imagine your school wants to start a recycling program. What kinds of things could you recycle? Why is it important to save water? List three ways the community can keep their environment clean. How does keeping the environment clean help us stay healthy?