Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Parts of a leaf
Nutrition in plants - Internal structure of a leaf
Nutrition in plants - Functions of leaf parts

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

- Identify the external parts of a leaf
- Observe and draw the external structure of a leaf
- Show interest in studying parts of a leaf

- Describe the functions of different parts of a leaf
- Explain the role of each part in photosynthesis
- Appreciate the structure-function relationship in leaves

- Pluck a variety of leaves from different plants and take them to the laboratory
- Study the leaves and describe their lamina based on size, surface area, leaf veins and thickness
- Draw a large well-labelled diagram of one of the leaves
- Discuss the functions of different parts of a leaf and their roles in photosynthesis
- Use charts and digital media to reinforce understanding of leaf functions
- Share findings with peers

What are the parts of a leaf?
How are the different parts of a leaf adapted to their functions?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 64)
- Hand lens
- Variety of fresh leaves
- Labelled charts of a leaf
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 65)
- Prepared slides of leaf sections
- Light microscope
- Charts of leaf TS
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 66)
- Digital resources
- Charts showing leaf structures

- Observation - Oral questions - Written tests
- Oral questions - Written assessment - Group presentations

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Adaptations of the leaf to photosynthesis
Nutrition in plants - Structure and function of chloroplast

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

- Explain adaptations of the leaf to photosynthesis
- Relate leaf adaptations to their functions
- Appreciate how adaptations enhance photosynthesis

- Search Internet or offline digital content for information on adaptations of the leaf to photosynthesis
- Discuss how leaf features maximize photosynthesis
- Share findings with peers

How are leaves adapted to carry out photosynthesis efficiently?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 67)
- Digital resources
- Wall charts on leaf adaptations
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 68)
- Charts of chloroplast structure

- Oral questions - Written assessment - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Process of photosynthesis

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

- Explain the process of photosynthesis
- Identify raw materials and products of photosynthesis
- Appreciate the importance of photosynthesis

- Discuss pictorial summaries of photosynthesis
- Describe the light and dark stages of photosynthesis
- Discuss raw materials and their sources

What happens during the process of photosynthesis?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 69)
- Digital resources
- Charts on photosynthesis

- Written test - Oral questions - Diagrams

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Light and dark reactions
Nutrition in plants - Products of photosynthesis

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

- Describe the light-dependent stage of photosynthesis
- Describe the dark stage (carbon fixation) of photosynthesis
- Show interest in the stages of photosynthesis

- Discuss the reactions in light-dependent stage of photosynthesis
- Discuss the carbon fixation process in the dark stage
- Use charts and animations to enhance understanding

How do the light and dark stages differ in photosynthesis?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 70)
- Digital resources
- Charts on photosynthesis stages
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 71)
- Charts on photosynthesis
- Reference books

- Written questions - Oral assessment - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Gas produced during photosynthesis
Nutrition in plants - Testing for starch in a leaf
Nutrition in plants - Conditions necessary for photosynthesis

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

- Investigate the gas produced during photosynthesis
- Identify oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis
- Appreciate the experimental approach to studying photosynthesis

- Describe the test for starch in a leaf
- Perform the starch test on a leaf
- Show interest in experimental procedures

- Set up experiment with water plants to collect gas produced during photosynthesis
- Test the collected gas with a glowing splint
- Record and discuss observations
- Take a green leaf exposed to light for 5 hours
- Follow the procedure for testing starch in a leaf
- Observe and record results

What gas is released during photosynthesis?
How can we test for the presence of starch in a leaf?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 72)
- Water plants (Elodea)
- Test tubes, beakers
- Sodium hydrogen carbonate
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 73)
- Fresh leaves
- Iodine solution
- Methylated spirit, hot water
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 74)
- Digital resources
- Reference books

- Practical skills - Written reports - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Investigating light in photosynthesis

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

- Investigate the necessity of light in photosynthesis
- Explain why light is essential for photosynthesis
- Show experimental skills in investigating photosynthesis

- Cover one leaf of a potted plant with light-proof material
- Place plant in dark for 48 hours then in light for 2-3 hours
- Test covered and uncovered leaves for starch

Why is light necessary for photosynthesis?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 75)
- Potted plant
- Light-proof material
- Iodine solution

- Practical skills - Written reports - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Investigating carbon(IV) oxide in photosynthesis
Nutrition in plants - Investigating chlorophyll in photosynthesis

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

- Investigate the necessity of carbon(IV) oxide in photosynthesis
- Explain the role of carbon(IV) oxide in photosynthesis
- Demonstrate scientific skills in experimental design

- Set up apparatus with leaf in a flask containing sodium hydroxide
- Test the leaf for starch after exposure to light
- Compare with control leaf outside the flask

Why is carbon(IV) oxide necessary for photosynthesis?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 76)
- Potted plant
- Conical flask, cork
- Sodium hydroxide pellets
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 77)
- Plant with variegated leaves
- Iodine solution
- Methylated spirit

- Practical skills - Written reports - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Investigating water in photosynthesis

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

- Discuss the necessity of water in photosynthesis
- Explain how water shortage affects plant growth
- Design a project to compare plants under different water conditions

- Study photographs of plants exposed to different moisture conditions
- Discuss characteristics of each group of plants
- Design a simple investigation on water requirements

How does water availability affect photosynthesis?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 78)
- Photographs of plants under different water conditions
- Digital resources

- Project design - Written assessment - Oral questions

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Importance of photosynthesis
Nutrition in animals - Modes of nutrition
Nutrition in animals - Dentition in animals

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

- Explain the importance of photosynthesis in nature
- Describe how photosynthetic products support life
- Appreciate the value of photosynthesis in ecosystems

- Define dentition
- Differentiate between homodont and heterodont dentition
- Show interest in animal dentition

- Discuss the importance of photosynthesis under various headings
- Explain the significance of products of photosynthesis
- Discuss environmental importance of photosynthesis
- Observe specimens or models of different types of teeth
- Identify homodont and heterodont dentition
- Draw and label diagrams of different teeth types

Why is photosynthesis important in nature?
What is dentition?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 79)
- Digital resources
- Reference books
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 80)
- Charts on animal nutrition
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 81)
- Models of animal teeth
- Digital resources
- Charts of teeth

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group presentations
- Drawings - Written questions - Oral assessment

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in animals - Types and structure of teeth
Nutrition in animals - Functions of different teeth

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

- Identify different types of teeth
- Describe the structure of teeth
- Appreciate the relationship between structure and function in teeth

- Examine models or specimens of different teeth types
- Draw and label external and internal structure of teeth
- Discuss functions of different teeth parts

How are teeth adapted to their functions?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 82)
- Models of teeth
- Digital resources
- Charts of teeth
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 83)
- Charts

- Drawings - Written assessment - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in animals - Classification based on dentition

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

- Classify animals based on their dentition
- Determine dental formula of different animals
- Show interest in dentition patterns

- Study specimens or models of jaws of different animals
- Count teeth in upper and lower jaws
- Determine dental formula of different animals

How are animals classified based on their dentition?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 84)
- Specimens or models of animal jaws
- Digital resources

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Practical skills

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in animals - Herbivores, carnivores, omnivores
Nutrition in animals - Digestive system in humans

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

- Identify dentition of herbivores, carnivores and omnivores
- Explain adaptations of teeth to different feeding habits
- Show interest in relationship between dentition and diet

- Study jaws of herbivores, carnivores and omnivores
- Identify adaptations of teeth to feeding habits
- Discuss dental formula of different animal groups

How does dentition reflect the feeding habits of animals?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 85)
- Models or specimens of animal jaws
- Digital resources
- Charts
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 86)
- Charts of digestive system
- Models

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Practical skills

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in animals - Process of digestion
Nutrition in animals - Absorption and assimilation
Reproduction in plants - Functions of parts of a flower

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

- Explain the process of digestion along the alimentary canal
- Describe the role of digestive juices and enzymes
- Show interest in the digestive process

- Describe the process of absorption in the ileum
- Explain the process of assimilation of nutrients
- Appreciate the efficiency of the digestive system

- Search for information on digestion in the alimentary canal
- Discuss digestion in the mouth, stomach, duodenum and ileum
- Watch animations on the digestive process
- Discuss adaptations of the ileum to absorption
- Draw and label the structure of a villus
- Discuss fate of absorbed food substances

How does the process of digestion occur?
How are digested food substances absorbed and utilized?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 87)
- Digital resources
- Charts of digestive process
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 88)
- Charts of villi structure
- Digital resources
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 86)
- Fresh flowers
- Hand lens
- Charts of flower structure

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Observation
- Written assessment - Drawings - Oral questions

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Pollination

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

- Define pollination
- Differentiate between self and cross-pollination
- Appreciate the importance of pollination

- Discuss the meaning of pollination
- Distinguish between self and cross-pollination
- Illustrate different types of pollination

What is pollination and why is it important?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 87)
- Digital resources
- Charts on pollination

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Adaptations to insect pollination
Reproduction in plants - Adaptations to wind pollination

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

- Identify features of insect-pollinated flowers
- Explain adaptations of flowers to insect pollination
- Show interest in flower adaptations

- Examine an insect-pollinated flower
- Record color, scent, size of flower
- Discuss adaptations to insect pollination

How are flowers adapted to insect pollination?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 88)
- Insect-pollinated flowers
- Hand lens
- Charts
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 94)
- Wind-pollinated flowers (grass/maize)

- Practical skills - Written assessment - Oral questions

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Field observation of pollination

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

- Observe pollinating agents in action
- Identify different types of pollinating agents
- Show interest in natural pollination processes

- Survey different areas to identify flower types
- Observe organisms visiting flowers
- Record observations on pollinating agents

What organisms act as pollinating agents?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 95)
- Flowers in school compound
- Hand lens
- Camera/smartphone

- Field observation skills - Written reports - Practical assessment

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Fertilization in flowering plants
Reproduction in plants - Double fertilization
Reproduction in plants - Fruit formation

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

- Describe structures containing male and female gametes
- Explain the process of fertilization in flowering plants
- Appreciate sexual reproduction in plants

- Describe the process of fruit formation
- Explain development of ovary into fruit
- Show interest in post-fertilization changes

- Search for information on fertilization in plants
- Study diagrams of pollen grains and embryo sacs
- Discuss pollen tube growth and fertilization
- Search for information on fruit formation
- Discuss events in fruit development
- Draw labeled diagrams of fruits

How does fertilization occur in flowering plants?
How does a fruit develop after fertilization?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 96)
- Digital resources
- Charts on plant fertilization
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 97)
- Charts on double fertilization
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 98)
- Digital resources
- Various fruits
- Charts

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Drawings
- Drawings - Written assessment - Oral questions

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Types of fruits
Reproduction in plants - Fruit and seed dispersal

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

- Classify fruits based on structure
- Differentiate between succulent and dry fruits
- Show interest in fruit diversity

- Collect various fruits and seeds
- Group fruits into dry and succulent types
- Observe internal features of different fruits

How are fruits classified?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 99)
- Various fruits
- Knife/scalpel
- Specimen dishes
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 102)
- Various fruits and seeds
- Hand lens

- Practical skills - Written assessment - Classification charts

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Animals as dispersal agents

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

- Identify fruits dispersed by animals
- Explain adaptations for animal dispersal
- Show interest in plant-animal interactions

- Observe fruits adapted for animal dispersal
- Identify hooks, edible parts, and other adaptations
- Discuss the role of animals in seed dispersal

How are fruits adapted for dispersal by animals?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 106)
- Fruits with hooks (black jack)
- Succulent fruits
- Hand lens

- Practical skills - Written assessment - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Water as a dispersal agent
Reproduction in plants - Wind as a dispersal agent

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

- Identify fruits dispersed by water
- Explain adaptations for water dispersal
- Appreciate plant-environment interactions

- Observe fruits adapted for water dispersal
- Identify buoyancy adaptations
- Discuss features of water-dispersed fruits

How are fruits adapted for dispersal by water?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 107)
- Coconut fruit if available
- Pictures of water-dispersed fruits
- Digital resources
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 108)
- Wind-dispersed fruits/seeds
- Hand lens

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Self-dispersal mechanism
Reproduction in plants - Importance of dispersal
Reproduction in plants - Effect of agrochemicals

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

- Describe explosive dispersal mechanism
- Explain adaptations for self-dispersal
- Appreciate diversity in dispersal methods

- Explain the importance of fruit and seed dispersal
- Describe benefits of dispersal for plant survival
- Appreciate ecological significance of dispersal

- Observe fruits with explosive dispersal
- Identify legumes and other explosive fruits
- Discuss explosive mechanism process
- Search for information on importance of dispersal
- Discuss colonization of new areas
- Discuss reduced competition through dispersal

How do some plants disperse their seeds without external agents?
Why is fruit and seed dispersal important?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 109)
- Pods of legumes
- Castor oil fruits if available
- Digital resources
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 110)
- Digital resources
- Reference books
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 111)
- Charts on agrochemicals

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Observation
- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group discussions

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Role of flowers in nature

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

- Explain the role of flowers in nature
- Describe ecological and economic importance of flowers
- Appreciate the significance of flowers

- Search for information on roles of flowers
- Discuss ecological functions of flowers
- Discuss social and economic value of flowers

What is the role of flowers in nature?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 111)
- Digital resources
- Reference books

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group presentations

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Components of the environment
The interdependence of life - Competition

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

- Define ecosystem, ecology and environment
- Identify biotic and abiotic components
- Show interest in interactions in ecosystems

- Study diagrams of ecosystems
- Identify living and non-living components
- Discuss relationships between organisms

What is an ecosystem?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 115)
- Digital resources
- Charts of ecosystems
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 116)
- Reference books

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Predation

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

- Define predation, predator and prey
- Explain adaptations of predators and prey
- Show interest in predator-prey relationships

- Search for information on predation
- Discuss adaptations of predators and prey
- Analyze predator-prey population dynamics

How does predation affect population dynamics?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 117)
- Digital resources
- Videos on predation

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group discussions

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Parasitism
The interdependence of life - Symbiosis
The interdependence of life - Saprophytism

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

- Define parasitism, parasite and host
- Explain effects of parasites on hosts
- Show interest in parasite-host relationships

- Define saprophytism
- Explain the role of saprophytes in ecosystems
- Appreciate decomposers in nutrient cycling

- Search for information on parasitism
- Discuss types of parasites affecting humans and animals
- Analyze effect on distribution of organisms
- Search for information on saprophytes
- Discuss bread molds, mushrooms and other decomposers
- Analyze effects on nutrient cycling

How do parasites affect their hosts?
How do saprophytes contribute to ecosystem functioning?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 119)
- Digital resources
- Charts on parasitism
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 120)
- Charts on symbiosis
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 121)
- Digital resources
- Photographs of fungi

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group discussions
- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group presentations

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Temperature effects
The interdependence of life - Light effects

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

- Measure environmental temperature
- Explain effects of temperature on organisms
- Show interest in abiotic factors

- Suspend thermometer to measure air temperature
- Measure soil and water temperature
- Discuss effects of temperature on organisms

How does temperature affect living organisms?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 122)
- Thermometers
- Water in basin
- Digital resources
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 123)
- Light meter if available
- Secchi disc

- Practical skills - Written assessment - Oral questions

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Atmospheric pressure

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

- Define atmospheric pressure
- Explain effects of atmospheric pressure on organisms
- Show interest in pressure as an ecological factor

- Discuss meaning of atmospheric pressure
- Explain how pressure changes with altitude
- Analyze effects on organisms

How does atmospheric pressure affect organisms?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 124)
- Digital resources
- Barometer if available

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group discussions

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Humidity effects
The interdependence of life - Wind effects

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

- Define humidity
- Explain effects of humidity on organisms
- Demonstrate measurement of humidity

- Discuss meaning of humidity
- Measure humidity using cobalt chloride paper
- Analyze effects on plants and animals

How does humidity affect organisms?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 125)
- Cobalt(II) chloride paper
- Forceps
- Stopwatch
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 126)
- Digital resources
- Materials for windsock/wind vane

- Practical skills - Written assessment - Oral questions

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - pH and salinity
The interdependence of life - Energy flow
The interdependence of life - Food chains

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

- Define pH and salinity
- Measure pH of soil and water samples
- Explain effects of pH and salinity on organisms

- Explain energy flow in ecosystems
- Describe trophic levels
- Appreciate energy transfer in nature

- Test pH of water samples
- Test pH of soil samples
- Discuss effects on organisms
- Discuss energy flow from sun to producers and consumers
- Explain the concept of trophic levels
- Analyze energy loss between trophic levels

How do pH and salinity affect living organisms?
How does energy flow through an ecosystem?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 127)
- Universal indicator paper
- Soil and water samples
- Test tubes
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 128)
- Digital resources
- Charts on energy flow
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 129)
- Charts on food chains

- Practical skills - Written assessment - Observation
- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group discussions

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Food webs

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

- Define food web
- Construct food webs from food chains
- Appreciate complexity of feeding relationships

- Observe feeding habits of organisms
- Construct multiple food chains
- Combine food chains into food webs

How do food chains interact to form food webs?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 130)
- Digital resources
- Charts on food webs

- Food web construction - Written assessment - Group presentations

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - National Parks ecosystem
The interdependence of life - Decomposers

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

- Identify organisms in Kenyan National Parks
- Describe interrelationships in National Parks
- Appreciate biodiversity conservation

- Select a National Park for study
- Research organisms found in the park
- Construct food webs based on park organisms

What interrelationships exist in Kenyan National Parks?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 131)
- Digital resources
- Reference books on National Parks
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 132)
- School compost site
- Hand lens

- Project work - Written assessment - Group presentations

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Human activities

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

- Describe effects of human activities on ecosystems
- Explain habitat change, conservation, and species introduction
- Show concern for environmental conservation

- Search for information on human impacts
- Discuss habitat change, poaching, and introduced species
- Analyze conservation methods

How do human activities affect the environment?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 133)
- Digital resources
- Reference books

- Written assessment - Group presentations - Debates