Lesson Note – Agricultural Science – Primary 5 – Third Term – Week 2
Topic: Rearing of Farm Animals
Lesson Details
-
Subject: Agricultural Science
-
Class: Primary 5
-
Term: Third Term
-
Week: 2
-
Duration: 40 minutes
-
Age: 9 – 10 years
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
✅ Outline the kinds of animals that can be raised.
✅ Describe the importance of animal rearing.
✅ Raise animals of their choice.
Keywords
Rearing – Taking care of and raising animals.
Livestock – Farm animals kept for food or other products.
Poultry – Birds like chickens and turkeys raised for eggs or meat.
Domestication – Keeping and training animals for human use.
Set Induction (Introduction)
Teacher’s Action:
-
The teacher holds up pictures of different farm animals (cows, goats, chickens, and rabbits).
-
The teacher asks, “Who has seen any of these animals before?”
Pupils’ Response (Funny & Realistic Classroom Interaction)
Ayo: “Aunty, my neighbor’s goat entered our kitchen and ate my mother’s soup!”
Mariam: “Chickens are very stubborn, they run away when you try to catch them!”
Emeka: “Our dog likes to steal meat from the pot!”
(The teacher laughs and responds positively, relating their experiences to the lesson.)
Entry Behaviour
-
Pupils have seen farm animals in their environment.
-
Some pupils may have pets or have visited a farm.
Learning Materials
Pictures or charts of farm animals
Video clips or real-life visits to a farm (if possible)
Models or drawings of farm animals
Building Background Knowledge (Funny Pupil Responses Included)
Teacher: “Do you know that some animals give us food, some help us on the farm, and some just love to disturb us?”
Bola: “Aunty, my uncle’s cow chased him one day because he forgot to feed it!”
Tolu: “I have a chicken, but it runs away every time I come near it!”
(The teacher uses these real-life funny moments to introduce the concept of rearing animals properly.)
Embedded Core Skills
✅ Critical thinking
✅ Communication
✅ Observation skills
Lesson Content
1. Types of Farm Animals
Farm animals can be grouped into different types:
A. Animals Reared for Meat, Milk, and Skin:
Cattle (Cows, Bulls) – Provide milk, meat, and leather.
Goats – Give meat and milk.
Sheep – Provide meat and wool.
B. Poultry Birds:
Chickens – Provide eggs and meat.
Ducks – Lay eggs and provide meat.
Turkeys – Large birds reared for meat.
C. Work Animals:
Horses & Donkeys – Used for carrying loads.
Oxen – Used for ploughing fields.
D. Other Animals:
Rabbits – Reared for meat.
Fish – Kept in ponds for food.
2. Importance of Rearing Animals
✔ Source of food – Meat, eggs, and milk come from farm animals.
✔ Source of income – Farmers sell animals and their products.
✔ Production of manure – Animal waste is used as fertilizer for crops.
✔ Employment opportunities – People work in farms to care for animals.
✔ Companionship and security – Dogs help guard homes.
3. How to Rear Animals
-
Provide food and water daily.
-
Keep animals in a clean shelter (pen, coop, or shed).
-
Vaccinate animals to prevent diseases.
-
Protect them from predators like snakes and wild dogs.
-
Ensure proper breeding for more healthy animals.
Evaluation (15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions)
-
Animals reared on farms are called __________.
-
__________ provide us with eggs.
-
__________ is the process of taking care of animals.
-
Goats and cows produce __________.
-
Poultry birds include __________, __________, and __________.
-
__________ is used for ploughing the field.
-
Animal waste can be used as __________ for plants.
-
__________ is a small animal reared for meat.
-
We must give animals __________ and __________ daily.
-
__________ protects animals from diseases.
-
Farm animals provide __________ for human use.
-
The place where chickens are kept is called a __________.
-
Horses and donkeys are used for __________ loads.
-
Rabbits are reared for their __________.
-
A __________ is an example of an animal that provides leather.
Class Activity (FAQ for Discussion)
-
What are farm animals?
-
Why do people rear animals?
-
How do animals help in farming?
-
What do animals need to grow well?
-
Can we keep farm animals at home?
-
What should we do if an animal is sick?
-
What do chickens eat?
-
What is the best place to keep goats?
-
Why do farmers vaccinate animals?
-
What is manure, and how does it help crops?
-
Can we rear fish at home?
-
What is the difference between a cow and a goat?
-
Do animals need shelter? Why?
-
What farm animal do you like most?
-
What are some dangers that farm animals face?
Class Activity (FAQ for Discussion) – With Possible Pupil Responses
1️⃣ What are farm animals?
Farm animals are animals that people keep for food, work, or money.
Ayo: Like the goats that eat my grandma’s yam!
2️⃣ Why do people rear animals?
For food, money, and farm work.
Tolu: My uncle sells eggs, but I eat them for free!
3️⃣ How do animals help in farming?
They help plough the land, carry loads, and provide manure for crops.
Emeka: So cows are farmers too?
4️⃣ What do animals need to grow well?
Food, water, shelter, and medicine.
Mariam: Even animals don’t like being hungry like me!
5️⃣ Can we keep farm animals at home?
Yes, but we must take good care of them.
Bola: My mum said no goats at home because they eat everything!
6️⃣ What should we do if an animal is sick?
Take it to a vet doctor and give it medicine.
Chinedu: Like how I take medicine when I have a headache?
7️⃣ What do chickens eat?
Grains, corn, and sometimes insects.
Tunde: My grandma’s chicken even eats our rice!
8️⃣ What is the best place to keep goats?
A fenced area or a pen to stop them from running away.
Ada: Our neighbor’s goat once entered our house!
9️⃣ Why do farmers vaccinate animals?
To stop them from getting sick and dying.
Obinna: So cows also get injections like us?
What is manure, and how does it help crops?
Manure is animal waste used as fertilizer for plants.
Bisi: So poop helps plants grow? Ewww!
1️⃣1️⃣ Can we rear fish at home?
Yes, in a fish pond or a big tank.
Ibrahim: So I can start my own fish farm in my bathtub?
1️⃣2️⃣ What is the difference between a cow and a goat?
Cows are bigger, give more milk, and have longer horns.
Ngozi: Cows are more serious, but goats like to jump around!
1️⃣3️⃣ Do animals need shelter? Why?
Yes, to protect them from sun, rain, and wild animals.
Dayo: My dad built a house for his chickens; they sleep better than me!
1️⃣4️⃣ What farm animal do you like most?
I like chickens because they lay eggs.
Sola: I like cows because they give milk for my tea!
1️⃣5️⃣ What are some dangers that farm animals face?
Sickness, wild animals, bad weather, and thieves.
Kunle: That’s why my uncle ties his goat very well at night!
Presentation Steps
Step 1: Introduction (10 mins)
-
The teacher displays pictures of farm animals.
-
Pupils discuss the animals they know.
Step 2: Types of Farm Animals (10 mins)
-
The teacher explains different kinds of animals and their uses.
-
Pupils mention examples of animals they have seen.
Step 3: Importance of Rearing Animals (10 mins)
-
The teacher explains why animals are reared.
-
Pupils discuss how farm animals help humans.
Step 4: How to Rear Animals (10 mins)
-
The teacher describes how to care for animals.
-
Pupils discuss how they would care for their own animals.
Teacher’s Activities
✅ Uses charts and pictures to explain different farm animals.
✅ Asks questions to assess understanding.
✅ Gives examples of animals and their uses.
Learners’ Activities
✅ Identify farm animals from pictures.
✅ Answer questions on why people rear animals.
✅ Discuss how they would care for an animal.
Assessment & Conclusion
Teacher asks pupils to:
-
Mention 5 farm animals.
-
Explain 3 reasons why we rear animals.
-
Describe how to take care of a chicken.
Teacher summarizes the lesson by:
-
Revisiting key points.
-
Encouraging pupils to observe farm animals at home.
Conclusion
The teacher reminds pupils that rearing animals is important for food, income, and farming. They should take proper care of animals and always keep them healthy and safe.
Reference Books & Materials
Agricultural Science for Primary Schools – Approved by the Ministry of Education
Charts, pictures, and real-life examples