Conservation of Resources

Controlling Soil Pollution - Causes of soil pollution

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Explain the meaning of soil pollution
- Identify causes of soil pollution in gardening
- Appreciate the need to prevent soil pollution

- Search and watch a video clip or print media on causes of soil pollution
- Share experiences on causes of soil pollution such as waste water, excessive use of artificial fertilizers, agricultural chemicals and plastic wastes
- Identify causes of soil pollution from provided pictures
- Discuss their findings with classmates

How can household practices cause soil pollution?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 1
- Digital resources (videos on soil pollution)
- Pictures showing soil pollution

- Observation - Oral questions - Written assignments

Conservation of Resources

Controlling Soil Pollution - Causes of soil pollution
Controlling Soil Pollution - Methods of controlling soil pollution
Controlling Soil Pollution - Methods of controlling soil pollution

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Identify causes of soil pollution in the environment
- Explain how waste water causes soil pollution
- Show concern for the effects of soil pollution

- Plan and take a visit to different places in the locality
- Observe the causes of soil pollution in the environment
- Find out measures taken to control soil pollution
- Note down observations and take photographs if possible
- Discuss and share findings with classmates

What are the major causes of soil pollution in our locality?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 2
- Digital camera
- Notebook and pen
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 3
- Pictures showing soil pollution control methods
- Charts
- Digital resources
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 4
- Waste water
- Disposal facilities
- Protective gear

- Observation - Oral questions - Written report

Conservation of Resources

Controlling Soil Pollution - Methods of controlling soil pollution
Controlling Soil Pollution - Safe farming methods to conserve soil

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Explain how to dispose of plastic waste to control soil pollution
- Reuse plastic containers in gardening
- Value the importance of proper disposal of plastic waste

- Observe pictures of learners reusing plastic containers to grow crops
- Discuss the method of controlling soil pollution shown in the picture
- Discuss how to dispose of plastic waste to control soil pollution
- Practice disposing of plastic waste in school to control soil pollution
- Share experiences with classmates

How can we dispose of plastic waste to control soil pollution?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 5
- Plastic containers
- Samples of plants
- Growing medium
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 6
- Pictures showing safe farming methods
- Digital resources

- Observation - Practical assessment - Oral questions

Conservation of Resources

Controlling Soil Pollution - Creating awareness messages
Constructing Water Retention Structures - Use of surface run-off in gardening
Constructing Water Retention Structures - Types of water retention structures

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Create awareness messages against soil pollution
- Communicate effectively about soil conservation
- Appreciate their role in creating awareness about soil pollution

- Study a poster about soil conservation made by a Grade 7 learner
- Create awareness messages about disposal of wastewater, dumping plastic wastes, used chemical containers, and use of farm chemicals and artificial fertilizers
- Make a poster about controlling soil pollution
- Share the poster with classmates

How can we create awareness messages to control soil pollution?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 7
- Chart papers
- Colored markers
- Sample posters
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 9
- Digital resources
- Reference materials
- Pictures of water retention structures
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 10

- Observation - Assessment of posters - Oral presentation

Conservation of Resources

Constructing Water Retention Structures - Construction of water retention structures

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Explain how to construct water retention structures
- State factors to consider when constructing water retention structures
- Show interest in water conservation

- Take a field visit to farms in the school neighborhood
- Identify various run-off retention structures
- Ask questions to a resource person about construction of water retention structures, their importance, and types of crops planted
- Write short notes and take photographs if possible

What factors should we consider when constructing water retention structures?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 10
- Digital camera
- Notebook and pen

- Observation - Oral questions - Written report

Conservation of Resources

Constructing Water Retention Structures - Constructing a water retention ditch
Constructing Water Retention Structures - Completing the water retention ditch

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Demonstrate how to construct a water retention ditch
- Use appropriate tools to construct a water retention ditch
- Work collaboratively with others in constructing a water retention ditch

- Wear protective equipment
- Identify a site for constructing a run-off retention ditch in the school garden
- Ensure the site has an inlet for run-off to flow in
- Measure the site and clear the vegetation
- Dig the site and scoop out the soil to make a run-off retention ditch

How do we construct a water retention ditch for surface run-off conservation?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 11
- Panga
- Measuring tape
- Jembe or forked jembe
- Spade
- Protective wear
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 12

- Observation - Practical assessment - Group work evaluation

Conservation of Resources

Constructing Water Retention Structures - Identifying crops for water retention structures

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Identify suitable crops to grow at surface run-off retention structures
- Explain why specific crops are suitable for water retention structures
- Appreciate the value of appropriate crop selection

- Study pictures showing types of crops that can be planted at run-off retention structures
- Identify the crops shown in the pictures
- Discuss other crops that can be grown at run-off retention structures
- Give reasons for choosing the identified crops
- Share ideas with classmates

What types of crops are suitable for growing at water retention structures?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 12
- Pictures of suitable crops for water retention structures
- Digital resources

- Observation - Oral questions - Written assignments

Conservation of Resources

Constructing Water Retention Structures - Planting crops at water retention structures

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Plant crops at the water retention structure
- Demonstrate proper planting techniques
- Show responsibility in crop establishment

- Discuss and agree on available crops to plant at the run-off retention structure
- Get planting materials and plant them by digging spaced holes on the edge of the run-off conservation structure
- Put manure in the holes and mix with soil
- Place the planting material and cover with soil
- Cover the soil around the plants with mulch
- Care for crops until they mature for harvesting

How do we establish crops at water retention structures?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 13
- Jembe or forked jembe
- Spade
- Protective wear
- Planting materials
- Manure
- Mulch

- Observation - Practical assessment - Group work evaluation

Conservation of Resources

Constructing Water Retention Structures - Maintenance of water retention structures
Conserving Food Nutrients - Ways of conserving vitamins and minerals in vegetables

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Explain how to maintain water retention structures
- Care for crops planted at water retention structures
- Value the importance of maintaining water retention structures

- Discuss the importance of maintaining water retention structures
- Identify methods of maintaining water retention structures
- Perform maintenance activities such as removing silt, repairing damaged parts, and watering plants
- Monitor the growth of established plants

How can we maintain water retention structures for effective functioning?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 14
- Water retention structure
- Maintenance tools
- Watering can
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 15
- Digital resources
- Print media
- Reference materials

- Observation - Oral questions - Practical assessment

Conservation of Resources

Conserving Food Nutrients - Ways of conserving vitamins and minerals in vegetables

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Identify practices of preparing vegetables to conserve nutrients
- Explain how to conserve nutrients when preparing vegetables
- Show interest in proper food preparation

- Study pictures showing practices of preparing vegetables
- Identify the practices shown in the pictures
- Discuss how to carry out the practices shown to conserve nutrients
- Share ideas with classmates

What practices should we follow when preparing vegetables to conserve nutrients?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 16
- Pictures showing vegetable preparation practices
- Digital resources

- Observation - Oral questions - Picture identification

Conservation of Resources

Conserving Food Nutrients - Ways of cooking vegetables to conserve nutrients

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Describe the best cooking methods to conserve nutrients in vegetables
- Explain the reason for cooking vegetables for a short time
- Value proper cooking methods for nutrient conservation

- Use digital and print media to search for information on best cooking methods to conserve nutrients and reasons for cooking vegetables for a short time
- Discuss findings and write short notes
- Present work to classmates

Why is it important to use appropriate cooking methods for vegetables?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 17
- Digital resources
- Print media
- Reference materials

- Observation - Oral questions - Written assignments - Presentations

Conservation of Resources

Conserving Food Nutrients - Preparing vegetables to conserve nutrients
Conserving Food Nutrients - Steaming vegetables to conserve nutrients

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Demonstrate how to prepare vegetables to conserve minerals and vitamins
- Follow correct procedures in washing vegetables
- Show responsibility in food preparation

- Wash hands with clean water and soap
- Arrange the vegetables to be prepared
- Wash vegetables in a clean basin with water
- Rinse the vegetables in another basin and drain
- Chop the vegetables into large pieces in preparation for cooking
- Rinse hands with water after preparing the vegetables

How do we prepare vegetables to conserve minerals and vitamins?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 18
- Fresh vegetables
- Clean water
- Basins
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Chopped vegetables
- Cooking pot with lid
- Source of heat
- Cooking stick
- Protective equipment

- Observation - Practical assessment - Group work evaluation

Conservation of Resources

Conserving Food Nutrients - Stir-frying vegetables to conserve nutrients

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Demonstrate how to stir-fry vegetables to conserve nutrients
- Follow correct stir-frying procedures
- Maintain safety when cooking

- Put a little cooking oil in the cooking pot or pan
- Place the cooking pot or pan over the heat source and lower the heat
- Let the oil heat and then add the chopped vegetables
- Stir the vegetables with a cooking stick to cook evenly
- Turn off the source of heat when the vegetables are cooked
- Serve the food when hot or let it cool down for storage
- Clean and store the utensils properly after use

How do we stir-fry vegetables to conserve nutrients?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 19
- Chopped vegetables
- Cooking pot or pan
- Cooking oil
- Heat source
- Cooking stick

- Observation - Practical assessment - Group work evaluation

Conservation of Resources

Conserving Food Nutrients - Comparing cooking methods for nutrient conservation
Conserving Food Nutrients - Conserving nutrients in other foods

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Compare different cooking methods for conserving nutrients
- Make informed choices about cooking methods
- Value optimal nutrient retention in food

- Discuss different cooking methods for vegetables (steaming, stir-frying, boiling)
- Compare the methods in terms of nutrient retention
- Prepare a chart showing advantages and disadvantages of each method
- Present findings to classmates

Which cooking method best preserves nutrients in vegetables?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 20
- Chart paper
- Markers
- Digital resources
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 21
- Reference materials

- Observation - Oral questions - Chart assessment - Presentations

Conservation of Resources

Conserving Food Nutrients - Review of nutrient conservation

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Summarize ways of conserving vitamins and minerals in vegetables
- Explain the importance of nutrient conservation in food
- Show commitment to proper food preparation and cooking

- Review all the methods of conserving nutrients in vegetables (washing, peeling, cutting, cooking time, covering)
- Discuss the importance of each method
- Complete a worksheet on nutrient conservation
- Share worksheets with classmates

Why is it important to conserve nutrients in our foods?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 21
- Worksheets
- Reference materials
- Digital resources

- Observation - Oral questions - Written assignments - Quiz

Conservation of Resources

Growing Trees - Importance of trees in conserving the environment

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Explain the meaning of tree growing
- Search for information about the importance of trees
- Appreciate the role of trees in environmental conservation

- Work in groups to search for information on the importance of trees in conserving the environment
- Use available digital and print media
- Discuss findings and write short notes
- Share findings with classmates

How can growing trees conserve the environment?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 22
- Digital resources
- Print media
- Reference materials

- Observation - Oral questions - Written assignments

Conservation of Resources

Growing Trees - Importance of trees in conserving the environment
Growing Trees - Planting materials for trees

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Identify different ways trees help conserve the environment
- Explain the importance of planting trees in the locality
- Value the environmental benefits of trees

- Discuss the importance of planting trees in the locality
- Identify ways trees conserve the environment (cleaning air, preventing soil erosion, water retention, etc.)
- Create a mind map showing the importance of trees
- Share ideas with classmates

What are the environmental benefits of planting trees?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 22
- Chart paper
- Markers
- Digital resources
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 23
- Pictures of planting materials
- Actual planting materials (seeds, seedlings, cuttings)

- Observation - Oral questions - Mind map assessment

Conservation of Resources

Growing Trees - Planting trees

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Demonstrate how to plant trees from different materials
- Follow correct tree planting procedures
- Embrace tree planting to conserve the environment

- Get locally available materials for planting trees
- Prepare planting holes of appropriate size
- Add manure or compost to the planting holes
- Plant the tree using appropriate techniques for the specific planting material
- Water the planted tree and apply mulch if necessary

How do we plant trees correctly to ensure their survival?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 23
- Tree planting materials (seeds, seedlings, cuttings)
- Digging tools (jembe, spade)
- Manure or compost
- Watering can
- Mulching material

- Observation - Practical assessment - Group work evaluation

Conservation of Resources

Growing Trees - Caring for tree seedlings
Growing Trees - Benefits of tree planting

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Identify methods of caring for tree seedlings
- Demonstrate tree care techniques
- Show responsibility in caring for planted trees

- Study pictures showing methods of caring for tree seedlings (watering, mulching, weeding, protecting)
- Identify the methods shown in the pictures
- Practice the tree care methods on the planted trees
- Discuss the importance of caring for tree seedlings

How do we care for tree seedlings until they are fully established?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 24
- Pictures showing tree care methods
- Watering can
- Mulching material
- Weeding tools
- Tree guards or fencing material
- Chart paper
- Markers
- Digital resources
- Pictures of tree products

- Observation - Practical assessment - Oral questions

Conservation of Resources

Growing Trees - Tree planting projects

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Plan a tree planting project
- Work collaboratively with others
- Show commitment to environmental conservation

- Plan a tree planting project for the school or community
- Identify suitable sites and tree species
- Develop a timeline and maintenance schedule
- Assign responsibilities to group members
- Present the project plan to classmates

How can we implement a successful tree planting project?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 25
- Planning sheets
- Digital resources
- Reference materials

- Observation - Project plan assessment - Presentations - Group work evaluation

Conservation of Resources
Food Production Processes

Growing Trees - Review of tree growing
Preparing Planting Site and Establishing Crop - Determining appropriate tilth

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Summarize the process of tree growing
- Evaluate the success of tree planting activities
- Value the contribution of trees to environmental conservation

- Review the entire process of tree growing (importance, planting materials, planting, care)
- Evaluate the success of tree planting activities conducted
- Discuss challenges faced and solutions
- Develop strategies for ongoing tree care
- Complete an assessment on tree growing

What have we learned about growing trees to conserve the environment?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 25
- Assessment sheets
- Digital resources
- Reference materials
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 26
- Pictures of different planting materials
- Soil samples

- Observation - Oral questions - Written assessment - Self-evaluation

Food Production Processes

Preparing Planting Site and Establishing Crop - Determining appropriate tilth
Preparing Planting Site and Establishing Crop - Preparing fine tilth
Preparing Planting Site and Establishing Crop - Planting in fine tilth

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Match different planting materials with appropriate soil tilth
- Explain why specific tilth is required for different planting materials
- Show interest in proper crop establishment

- Name crops that can be established from different planting materials (small-sized seeds, medium-sized seeds, tubers, suckers, cuttings)
- Complete a table showing examples for each type of planting material
- Discuss the type of tilth needed for each planting material
- Share ideas with classmates

What type of tilth is suitable for different planting materials?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 27
- Pictures of planting materials
- Chart showing planting materials and tilth
- Digital resources
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 28
- Panga
- Forked jembe or hoe
- Rake
- Protective equipment
- Small-sized seeds
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 29
- Watering can
- Water
- Mulching material

- Observation - Oral questions - Table completion assessment

Food Production Processes

Preparing Planting Site and Establishing Crop - Preparing medium tilth
Preparing Planting Site and Establishing Crop - Planting in medium tilth
Preparing Planting Site and Establishing Crop - Preparing coarse tilth

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Demonstrate preparation of medium tilth
- Select appropriate tools for preparing medium tilth
- Work collaboratively with others

- Discuss and agree on locally available medium-sized seeds to plant
- Identify a site for establishing medium tilth
- Measure and clear the vegetation
- Dig the site and break soil lumps to a medium texture
- Make spaced holes and add manure into the holes

How do we prepare medium tilth for medium-sized seeds?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 29
- Panga
- Forked jembe or hoe
- Manure
- Protective equipment
- Medium-sized seeds
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 30
- Watering can
- Water
- Mulching material
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 31
- Large planting materials

- Observation - Practical assessment - Group work evaluation

Food Production Processes

Preparing Planting Site and Establishing Crop - Planting in coarse tilth
Preparing Planting Site and Establishing Crop - Review of crop establishment

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Plant large planting materials in coarse tilth
- Apply appropriate planting techniques
- Demonstrate care for planted crops

- Plant large planting materials (tubers, suckers, cuttings) into prepared holes
- Water the site if the soil is dry
- Apply mulch at the base of the planted materials
- Continue caring for the crops until they grow to maturity

How do we plant large planting materials in coarse tilth?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 32
- Large planting materials
- Watering can
- Water
- Mulching material
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 33
- Assessment sheets
- Chart paper
- Markers
- Digital resources

- Observation - Practical assessment - Group work evaluation

Food Production Processes

Selected Crop Management Practices - Types of crop management practices

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Explain the meaning of crop management practices
- Identify different crop management practices
- Appreciate the importance of crop management

- Search for information on crop management practices (gapping, thinning, weeding, earthing-up)
- Discuss findings and write short notes
- Share findings with classmates

How can we carry out management practices in crop production?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 34
- Digital resources
- Print media
- Reference materials

- Observation - Oral questions - Written assignments

Food Production Processes

Selected Crop Management Practices - Identifying crop management practices
Selected Crop Management Practices - Importance of crop management

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Identify different crop management practices from pictures
- Explain the purpose of each management practice
- Value proper crop management

- Study pictures showing crop management practices
- Identify the practices shown in the pictures
- Discuss the purpose of each practice
- Share ideas with classmates

What management practices are important in crop production?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 34
- Pictures showing crop management practices
- Digital resources
- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 35
- Chart paper
- Markers

- Observation - Oral questions - Picture identification

Food Production Processes

Selected Crop Management Practices - Gapping in crop management

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Demonstrate gapping in crop management
- Apply appropriate gapping techniques
- Work responsibly in the garden

- Prepare a planting site by clearing vegetation and digging
- Make a suitable tilth and prepare spaced holes or lines
- Add manure to the lines or holes and mix with soil
- Plant materials in the holes or lines
- Water the garden if soil is dry
- Check the garden after some days and identify gaps
- Fill the gaps with suitable planting materials

How do we carry out gapping to ensure proper plant population?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 36
- Panga
- Forked jembe or hoe
- Manure
- Planting materials
- Protective equipment
- Water and watering can

- Observation - Practical assessment - Group work evaluation

Food Production Processes

Selected Crop Management Practices - Thinning in crop management

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Demonstrate thinning in crop management
- Apply appropriate thinning techniques
- Show care for crop health

- Wear protective equipment and visit the garden
- Water the garden if the soil is dry to make it loose
- Thin the crops if they are overcrowded by uprooting the weaker plants
- Ensure plants have enough spaces for healthy growth
- Leave uprooted plants to rot or transplant them

How do we carry out thinning to prevent overcrowding?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 37
- Protective equipment
- Water and watering can

- Observation - Practical assessment - Group work evaluation

Food Production Processes

Selected Crop Management Practices - Weeding in crop management
Selected Crop Management Practices - Earthing-up in crop management

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Demonstrate weeding in crop management
- Apply appropriate weeding techniques
- Work safely with garden tools

- Wear protective equipment and visit the garden
- Remove weeds from the garden carefully to avoid damaging crops
- Uproot weeds with hands or using tools like forked jembe or panga
- Collect weeds to make compost manure or leave them to dry out and rot on the soil

How do we carry out weeding to reduce competition for nutrients?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 38
- Protective equipment
- Small forked jembe or panga

- Observation - Practical assessment - Group work evaluation

Food Production Processes

Selected Crop Management Practices - Review of crop management practices

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Summarize different crop management practices
- Explain when each practice should be applied
- Show commitment to proper crop management

- Review all crop management practices (gapping, thinning, weeding, earthing-up)
- Discuss the importance and timing of each practice
- Complete an assessment on crop management practices
- Share assessments with classmates

Why is it important to carry out proper crop management practices?

- Highland Agriculture and Nutrition Grade 7 pg. 39
- Assessment sheets
- Digital resources
- Reference materials

- Observation - Oral questions - Written assessment