Class: Primary 5
Subject: Agricultural Science
Term: Second Term
Curriculum: Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work
General Learning Objectives:
By the end of the term, pupils should be able to:
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Identify, classify, and manage weeds and pests
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Appreciate the positive and negative impacts of weeds on farms and people
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Understand how to control pests using local and scientific methods
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Demonstrate weed and pest control techniques on the school farm
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Build curiosity and ownership in protecting crops from common agricultural threats
WEEKLY BREAKDOWN
✅ Week 1:
Topic: Review of First Term Agricultural Science Scheme
Learning Objectives:
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Recall major topics from First Term (e.g. planting, harvesting, processing)
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Share personal experiences from school garden or home farm
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Prepare minds for Second Term’s new focus on weeds and pests
Week 2:
Topic: Weeds
Learning Outcomes:
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Define weeds (unwanted plants that grow among useful crops)
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Identify common Nigerian farm weeds (e.g. spear grass, water leaf, goat weed)
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Create a “Weed Album” using labeled pictures or real samples from the school compound or home
Suggested Activity: Pupils collect and paste different weeds in a visual journal, naming them in English and local languages
Week 3:
Topic: Effects of Weeds on Farmers and Crops
Learning Outcomes:
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Describe how weeds compete with crops for nutrients, space, water, and sunlight
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Explain how weeds increase farming costs (labour, time, poor yield)
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Suggest ways farmers can reduce the impact of weeds
Teacher-Pupil Discussion: “Why do you think farmers fear weeds more than insects sometimes?”
✂️ Week 4:
Topic: Control of Weeds
Learning Outcomes:
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Outline traditional and modern weed control methods (e.g. slashing, herbicides, mulching)
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Discuss the importance of timely weed control in farming
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Practically demonstrate weed control techniques on school farm or in classroom garden beds
Week 5:
Topic: Benefits of Weeds
Learning Outcomes:
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Enumerate some useful functions of weeds (e.g. feeding animals, soil protection)
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Explain how certain weeds are used in traditional medicine and food (e.g. scent leaf, bitter leaf)
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Debate: “Are all weeds truly useless?”
Activity Idea: “Weed or Wonder?” Worksheet — pupils list 5 weeds with both harmful and helpful uses
Week 6:
Topic: Pests and Diseases of Crops
Learning Outcomes:
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Define pests and explain their role in reducing crop yield
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Identify common crop pests (e.g. grasshoppers, weevils, caterpillars, beetles)
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Describe signs of pest attack on leaves, stems, fruits, or roots
Classroom Task: Use real/drawn pest images to match with affected crops
Week 7:
Mid-Term Test and Break
Week 8:
Topic: Classification of Insect Pests
Includes:
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Sucking insect pests
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Piercing insect pests
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Burrowing/boring insect pests
Learning Outcomes:
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Classify insect pests based on mouthparts and feeding methods
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Identify examples in each category (e.g. aphids, stem borers, beetles)
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Justify why understanding pest behavior helps in selecting control methods
Activity: “Insect Mouth Map” – Pupils group insect pictures by feeding method
Week 9:
Topic: Damages Caused by Pests
Learning Outcomes:
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Describe how pests reduce crop quality and quantity
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Discuss economic impact on farmers and families
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Identify early warning signs of pest damage
Class Brainstorm: “If you were a pest, which crop would you attack and why?” (To encourage perspective taking)
⚔️ Week 10:
Topic: Control of Insect Pests
Methods:
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Chemical (e.g. insecticides)
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Mechanical (e.g. traps, nets)
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Biological (e.g. using predator insects)
Learning Outcomes:
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Explain various ways to control pests on farms
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Compare advantages and disadvantages of each control method
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Demonstrate a safe control method (e.g. setting up a sticky trap or natural repellents)
⚠️ Safety Focus: Teach safe use and handling of pesticides, especially for children
Week 11:
REVISION
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Recap all key concepts: weeds, pests, benefits, and controls
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Conduct group quizzes, debates, and hands-on demos
Week 12:
END-OF-TERM EXAMINATION
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Written, oral, and practical evaluations
Final Word from The Sovereign Educator:
Weeds and pests are not just science topics — they are the real battles our farmers fight every day. Let’s prepare our pupils not just to name them, but to face them wisely. Through real farm work, creative class activities, and reflection, we grow not just crops — we grow critical thinkers, innovators, and protectors of our food future.