Modern Mechanized Agriculture · SHS1 Agriculture

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.2.2.LI.1 - Describe the types and uses of farm machines and power in Agricultural production.

Building on your earlier lessons on the meaning and importance of farm mechanics (Week 9) and safety measures in farm operations (Week 10), by the end of this lesson, learners can:

Identify at least four types of farm machines and implements commonly used in Agricultural production in Ghana.
Classify farm machines into groups based on their functions (land preparation, planting, crop maintenance, harvesting, and processing).
Describe the specific uses of the tractor, combined harvester, plough, ridger, planter, knapsack sprayer, and feed mill machine in Agricultural production.
List the main sources of power used in Agriculture (human, animal, mechanical, electrical, solar) and state one advantage and one disadvantage of each.
Explain how the choice of farm machine depends on the type of farming activity, farm size, and available power source.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Modern Technical and Mechanised Agricuture (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Modern Mechanized Agriculture (2.2)
Content standard: 1.2.2.CS.2 - Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills of the types and uses of farm machines and power, and factors affecting their efficiency. 1.2.2.LO.2 Use the knowledge and skills acquired to select and employ the appropriate farm machine and power for Agricultural production.
Indicator: 1.2.2.LI.1 - Describe the types and uses of farm machines and power in Agricultural production.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 11 (Week 11 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 51

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Initiate Talk for Learning: In mixed-gender/mix ability groups (where applicable), learners embark on a field trip to a nearby mechanised farm or watch videos/pictures on farm mechanisation, to identify and describe the various farm machines and power. Learners then discuss the uses of the various farm machines. Teacher should ensure learners observe strict safety protocols at the mechanised farm. Videos that portray gender biases should be avoided. Learners with difficulties should be supported with leading questions to identify and describe the farm machines and power. Challenge learners with abilities to give more examples and further descriptions of the fam mechanization and power.
Experiential Learning: Guided by a technician, learners in gender- based groups demonstrate the use of some of the farm implements in Agricultural production. Teachers should ensure that all the safety protocol are strictly observed. Learners should be guided to do a risk assessment before operating the farm implements. All learners should be given the opportunity to operate the farm implements and this can be done on a rota basis. Learners with difficulties should be given the needed assistance.
Talk for Learning: Learners in mixed-gender and/or mixed-ability groups, discuss the sources of power and the advantages and disadvantages in Agricultural operations. Teacher should ensure all learners participate in the discussions. Teacher should use probing questions to guide learners to identify the sources of power in Agricultural productions and their advantages and disadvantages.
Assessment (1.2.2.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 3 Strategic reasoning.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Pictures or video/pictures of Agriculture machines and implements such as tractor, combined harvester, feed mill machines, bowl chopper, plough, harrow, rigger, planter, harvester etc.
- Pictures/videos on the operation and maintenance of Agricultural machines and implements such as tractor, combined harvester, feed mill machines, bowl chopper, plough, harrow, ridger, planter, harvester etc. Realia (mist blower, knapsack sprayer, lawn mower etc.).