
Lesson Note for Agricultural Science – Week 7
Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: JSS 3
Week of the First Term: Week 7
Topic: Forests and Forest Uses
Sub-Topic: Human Activities and Their Effects on Forests
Instructional Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Identify and explain the various human activities that affect forests.
- Discuss the consequences of these activities on forest ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Suggest practical measures to mitigate the negative impacts of human activities on forests.
Entry Behaviour
Students should already have an understanding of the types of forests and their resources, as well as basic knowledge of human interactions with the environment.
Instructional Materials
- Textbooks covering environmental science and forestry.
- Charts illustrating human activities affecting forests (e.g., deforestation, logging, farming).
- Videos or documentaries showing the impact of human activities on forests.
- Case studies or articles on specific instances of forest degradation.
Content: Human Activities and Their Effects on Forests
Human Activities Affecting Forests:
- Deforestation:
- The large-scale removal of trees for agriculture, urban development, and logging. This leads to habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and increased carbon emissions.
- Logging:
- While logging can be done sustainably, illegal or unsustainable logging practices result in significant forest degradation and loss of tree species.
- Agricultural Expansion:
- Clearing land for farming reduces forested areas. Monoculture farming can deplete soil nutrients and lead to erosion.
- Urbanization:
- The growth of cities and towns encroaches on forested land, leading to habitat destruction and fragmentation.
- Bush Burning:
- Often used for land clearing, bush burning can destroy valuable plant and animal habitats and contribute to air pollution.
- Mining Activities:
- Mining for minerals and oil disrupts forest ecosystems and can lead to severe environmental degradation.
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Consequences of Human Activities on Forests:
- Loss of Biodiversity: Many species lose their habitats and face extinction due to habitat destruction.
- Climate Change: Forests act as carbon sinks; their removal increases greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.
- Soil Erosion: Without tree roots to anchor the soil, erosion occurs, leading to decreased soil fertility and sedimentation in waterways.
- Disruption of Water Cycles: Trees play a crucial role in the water cycle; their removal can alter local climates and affect water availability.
Step 1: Introduction
Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure)
Others removed.
