Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs).
• Identify sources of NTFPs using digital tools.
• Discuss the uses of NTFPs in making wood artifacts.
• Understand the importance of NTFPs to the environment and local communities.

Lesson summary

In our study of Wood Technology, we often focus on timber—the wood from the main trunk of trees. However, Ghana's rich forests provide us with a vast array of other valuable resources that are crucial for our economy, culture, and daily lives. These are called Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). From the cane used to make the comfortable chairs in our living rooms to the shea butter that protects our skin and finishes our wooden artefacts, NTFPs are all around us. Understanding them is key to appreciating the full value of our forests and exploring diverse business opportunities in the creative arts and technology sectors.

Lesson notes

Teaching and Learning Activities (As per NaCCA Exemplar) Starter (Whole Class Brainstorming): Begin the lesson by asking the class: "When we say 'forest products', what comes to mind?" Most will say 'wood' or 'timber'. Then ask, "What else do we get from the forest that is NOT the main wood for planks?" Guide them to think about things like fruits, nuts, special leaves, etc. This will lead into the definition of NTFPs. Main Activity (Group Work & Digital Literacy): Learners will be organised into mixed-ability groups to complete the guided and independent practice tasks. They will use smartphones or computer lab resources to conduct their research.

Detailed Content A. What are Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)?

Definition: Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are all biological products, other than timber, that are harvested from forests for human use.

Simpler Explanation: Think of a tree like the Mango tree. The main trunk can be cut for timber (wood). That is the timber product. Everything else we get from the forest—the mango fruits, the leaves used for medicine, the bark for dyes—are Non-Timber Forest Products. NTFPs are essentially all the useful items from the forest ecosystem *except* for the large logs of wood used for construction and industrial timber. B. Major Categories and Sources of NTFPs in Ghana

Evaluation guide

• Identify the source of NTFPs using desk top study (google search engine and
• You Tube)
• Critical Thinking and Talk for Learning Approaches: Guide learners through
• whole class session to brainstorm the meaning of NTFPs with open -mindedness.