Practical Agriculture (JSS 3- Agricultural Science Lesson Note: Second Term, Week Eight)

Week 8

Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: JSS 3
Week of the Term: 8th Week
Topic: Practical Agriculture

Sub-Topic: Continuation of packaging materials collection, school farm record-keeping exercise.

Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define agricultural economics and explain its importance.
2. Describe how agricultural economics interacts with business, environmental, and social sciences.
3. Analyze the role of agricultural economics in improving farming practices.

Entry Behaviour
Students should have a basic understanding of economics and its application in everyday life.

Instructional Materials

• Charts illustrating the relationship between agricultural economics and other sciences
• Case studies of successful agricultural practices influenced by economic principles
• Videos highlighting the importance of agricultural economics

Reference Materials

• L. A. Are, A. A. Adegbola, T. I. Ashaye, E. Nwogu (2015). Agriculture, Junior Secondary, Secondary Schools, University Press Plc, Lagos.
• Dairo S. D., Akande A. S., Akindele F. Y., Muazu I., Uzowanne C. (2010). Agricultural for Junior Secondary School 3 Textbook (BEC Edition). Spectrum Books Limited, Lagos.

Content 

Continuation of Packaging Materials Collection

The collection of packaging materials serves several purposes:

• Hands-On Learning: By gathering a variety of materials, students gain practical experience and insight into how packaging choices can affect the preservation and marketing of agricultural goods.
• Critical Analysis: Students will analyze the collected materials, discussing their advantages, disadvantages, and appropriateness for specific types of produce. This will help develop their critical thinking skills regarding agricultural practices.
• Sustainability Considerations: Students will also explore sustainable packaging options, such as biodegradable materials, discussing their environmental impact compared to conventional packaging.

Types of Packaging Materials to Explore

• Reusable Bags: Students will collect different types of reusable bags, such as cloth and jute bags, which are environmentally friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags.
• Eco-Friendly Containers: They should identify and gather samples of biodegradable containers made from materials like corn starch or recycled paper.
• Foam and Plastic Containers: Students will examine the common use of foam trays and plastic clamshells for packaging fruits and vegetables, discussing their impact on waste and recycling efforts.
• Sealable Bags and Wraps: They will also consider the utility of sealable bags and wraps in maintaining the freshness of perishable items.

Types of Farm Records

1. Financial Records: Students will explore how to maintain records of income and expenses, including sales of produce, purchase of seeds, fertilizers, and equipment. Understanding these records helps farmers evaluate their profitability and manage cash flow.
2. Production Records: This includes keeping track of crop yields, planting and harvesting dates, and livestock management. Students will learn the importance of documenting these details to improve productivity and planning for future planting seasons.
3. Inventory Records: Students will learn how to maintain an inventory of farm inputs (like seeds and fertilizers) and outputs (like harvested crops and sold products). Keeping accurate inventory records helps in planning for future needs and reducing waste.

Step 1: Introduction

Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure)

Others removed.