Living Things and their Environment
1.1 Nutrition in plants
By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:
- identify external and internal parts of a leaf
- explain adaptations of the leaf to photosynthesis
- describe the process of photosynthesis
- investigate the conditions necessary for photosynthesis
- appreciate the process of photosynthesis in nature
- What is the importance of photosynthesis in nature?
- use a hand lens to observe fresh leaves of plants, draw and label the external parts
- use print or non-print media to search for information on the internal structure of the leaf in relation to their roles in photosynthesis, discuss and share with peers
- discuss the adaptations of a leaf in relation to their roles in photosynthesis
- observe the structure of the chloroplast on charts/photomicrographs, discuss its role in photosynthesis, share with peers
- use print or non-print media to search for information on the process and products of photosynthesis, discuss and share with peers
- use print or non-print media to search for information on conditions necessary for photosynthesis, discuss and share with peers
- set-up experiments to show that light, carbon (IV) oxide and chlorophyll are necessary for photosynthesis and share their findings with peers, (use the starch test)
Approved textbooks, realia, counters, flashcards, charts & digital devices.
1.2 Nutrition in animals
By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:
- outline modes of nutrition in animals
- describe the structure and functions of different types of teeth
- classify animals based on their dentition
- describe the process of digestion in human beings
- appreciate that animals have varied modes of nutrition
- How do different animals feed?
- How is food digested in the human body?
- use print or non-print media to search for information on modes of nutrition in animals, discuss with peers
- use specimens/charts/ models/ digital media to identify and draw different types of teeth
- collaboratively discuss the functions of different types of teeth
- use specimens/charts/models/ digital media to study dentition in different animals and share with peers
- use print or non-print media to search for information on the process of digestion in human beings, discuss and share with peers
Approved textbooks, realia, counters, flashcards, charts & digital devices.
1.3 Reproduction in plants
By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:
- outline functions of parts of a flower
- describe pollination in plants
- outline the adaptations of flowers to wind and insect pollination
- explain fertilisation and fruit formation in
- How does reproduction in plants occur?
- collaboratively discuss the functions of parts of a flower
- use print or non-print media to search for information on meaning and types of pollination, discuss and share with peers
- use print or non-print media to search for information on adaptations of flowers to wind and insect pollination, discuss and share with peers
- study samples of flowers to discuss their adaptations to agents of pollination, draw, label and share with peers
- watch animations or take an excursion in the school compound or neighbourhood to observe pollinating agents in action, record and discuss, (the behaviour of insects and birds in relation to flowers; swaying of anthers of grasses e.g maize in wind)
- use print or print media to search for information on the effect of agrochemicals on pollinating agents and their effects on reproduction in plants
Approved textbooks, realia, counters, flashcards, charts & digital devices.
1.4 The interdependence of life
By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:
- explain the biotic and abiotic factors of the environment
- construct food chains and food webs in the environment
- describe the effect of human activities on the environment
- appreciate the interdependence between living and non-living factors of the
- What is the role of living and non-living factors in environments?
- use print and non-print material to search for information biotic interrelationships, share findings with peers
- investigate the interrelationships between biotic factors of the environment in their locality and discuss the findings with peers (include insects, spiders, lizards, toads, chameleon)
- where possible observe videos or animations/ showing the interrelationships between biotic factors of the environment
- use print and non-print media to search for information on interrelationships between organisms in Kenya national parks and game reserves
- discuss the effect of abiotic factors on living organisms
- search for information on the effect of human activities on the environment and discuss
Approved textbooks, realia, counters, flashcards, charts & digital devices.
