Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 3

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• Identify different parts of plants and their functions.
• Explain how plant parts create agricultural materials.
• Demonstrate creating non-agricultural materials from plants.
• Collaborate on ideas for using plant materials.
• Understand the importance of using plant resources sustainably.

Lesson summary

In Ghana, many things we use every day come from plants: brooms made from palm fronds, ropes from coconut husk, baskets from raffia, chewing sticks from certain tree stems, and even compost manure from leaves. Understanding how different plant parts can be used to make agricultural and non-agricultural materials helps learners to (1) value the environment, (2) reduce waste, (3) support local livelihoods, and (4) practise sustainable use of natural resources. This lesson is aligned to Indicator B9.5.5.1.2: Demonstrate the use of different plant parts for… by guiding learners to identify plant parts and create/use materials from them for specific tasks.

Lesson notes

A. Meaning of “Environment” in this lesson The environment includes all living and non-living things around us—air, water, soil, plants, animals, and human activities. Plants are a major part of the environment because they: provide food and oxygen, protect soil from erosion, support livelihoods (farming, trading, crafts), provide raw materials for tools and household items. B. Plant parts and what they can provide Plants have different parts, and each part has special properties that make it useful. 1) Roots Function in plant: absorb water/minerals; anchor plant. Useful properties: some are strong, fibrous, medicinal, or edible. Examples of uses: Food: cassava, carrot, sweet potato. Medicine: some roots used in herbal preparations. Dyes/chemicals: some roots can produce colouring or medicinal extracts. 2) Stems (including trunk, branches, twigs) Function: support plant; transport water/food. Useful properties: strong, can be woody or flexible; can be carved. Examples of uses: Agricultural: stakes for tomatoes/pepper; yam stakes; handles for hoes/cutlasses (wood). Non-agricultural: furniture, pestles, walking sticks, chewing sticks (some stems), charcoal/firewood. 3) Leaves Function: photosynthesis; gas exchange. Useful properties: broad surface; can decompose easily; some have oils/chemicals. Examples of uses: Agricultural: mulch (soil cover), compost, green manure; botanical pesticides (neem leaves). Non-agricultural: wrapping food (e.g., *kontomire* leaves not wrapping; but plantain leaves wrap *kenkey*, *fante kenkey*, *eto* sometimes served on leaves); thatching (some leaves), decoration. 4) Bark Function: protects stem; reduces water loss; defence. Useful properties: fibrous; can be medicinal; can be processed into rope or cloth-like material in some cultures. Examples of uses: Non-agricultural: medicines; tannins for leather processing (where applicable); fibre for tying (in some local practices). 5) Flowers Function: reproduction (pollination). Useful properties: scent, nectar, colour. Examples of uses: Non-agricultural: decoration, perfumes (from essential oils), honey production support (beekeeping). Agricultural link: attracting pollinators improves yield. 6) Fruits Function: protect seeds; aid seed dispersal. Useful properties: edible; some shells are hard. Examples of uses: Non-agricultural: calabash/gourd shells used as bowls, ladles, musical instruments. Agricultural: fruit waste can be composted. 7) Seeds Function: reproduction; store food for embryo. Useful properties: can be planted; contain oils; some are hard and durable. Examples of uses: Agricultural: planting materials (maize, cowpea, rice); seed selection for good yield. Non-agricultural: oils (palm kernel oil, groundnut oil); beads/jewellery (some hard seeds).

C. Agricultural vs Non-agricultural materials from plant parts Agricultural materials (used to support farming/gardening) These are items made from plant parts to help in: planting, soil improvement, pest control, supporting crops, harvesting and storage.

Common Ghanaian examples Mulch from dry leaves/grass (leaf part) reduces evaporation, controls weeds, prevents erosion. Compost from leaves, fruit peels, crop residues (leaves/stems/fruits) improves soil fertility and structure. Stakes from stems/branches (stem part) supports tomatoes, garden eggs, yam vines. Organic pesticide extract from neem leaves (leaf part) helps reduce insect pests. Simple seedling pot from plant waste (e.g., folded plantain sheath or coconut shell halves) supports nursery work where possible. Non-agricultural materials (used for household, crafts, industry, culture) These are items made from plant parts for: cleaning, building, cooking, crafts, clothing/decoration, energy.

Common Ghanaian examples Broom from palm fronds or coconut midribs (leaf part). Basket/mat from raffia or palm leaves (leaf part). Rope from coconut husk fibre/coir or bark fibres (fruit husk/bark). Calabash bowl from gourd fruit shell (fruit part). Charcoal/firewood from stems/wood (stem part). Natural dye from some barks/leaves (bark/leaf).

Evaluation guide

• Create agricultural materials from different plant parts that are used
• to carry out agricultural activities.
• Create non-agricultural materials from different plant parts to carry
• out non-agricultural activities. Communication and Collaboration (CC),

Reference guide

• , process, and expected benefit.
• Real-life Applications / Integration (Ghana-focused)
• School and home gardening (Food security):
• Learners can use leaves and grass to make mulch and compost, improving soil fertility for school gardens (e.g., tomatoes, pepper, kontomire beds), reducing the cost of chemical fertilisers.
• Local crafts and livelihoods (Economy):
• Raffia baskets, palm brooms, coconut fibre ropes, and calabash utensils are common in Ghanaian markets. Learners can connect plant-part use to entrepreneurship, learning how local raw materials support jobs.