Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Conditions necessary for photosynthesis

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

- Discuss conditions necessary for photosynthesis
- Explain the role of different factors in photosynthesis
- Show interest in factors affecting photosynthesis

- Search for information on conditions necessary for photosynthesis
- Discuss the role of light, carbon(IV) oxide, chlorophyll, and water
- Share findings with class

What conditions are necessary for photosynthesis to occur?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science 
- Digital resources

- Written questions - Oral assessment - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

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

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

- 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
- 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 light necessary for photosynthesis?
Why is carbon(IV) oxide necessary for photosynthesis?

- Potted plant
- Iodine solution
- Potted plant
- Conical flask, cork
- Sodium hydroxide pellets

- Practical skills - Written reports - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Investigating chlorophyll in photosynthesis

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

- Investigate the necessity of chlorophyll in photosynthesis
- Explain the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis
- Show interest in experimental approach

- Use a plant with variegated leaves
- Expose to light after destarching
- Test the leaf for starch
- Observe distribution of starch in green and non-green parts

Why is chlorophyll necessary for photosynthesis?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science
- Plant with variegated leaves
- Iodine solution
- Methylated spirit

-discussions  Written reports - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Investigating water in photosynthesis
Nutrition in plants - Importance of 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                              -Explaining the importance of photosynthesis.
- 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- Photographs of plants under different water conditions
- Digital resources

-Observations  -Oral questions

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in animals - Modes of nutrition

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

- Discuss different modes of nutrition in animals
- Differentiate between heterotrophic modes of nutrition
- Show interest in animal nutrition

- Search for information on modes of nutrition
- Discuss parasitic, saprophytic, symbiotic and holozoic nutrition
- Share findings with the class

How do animals obtain their food?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science
- Digital resources
- Charts

- Written test - Oral questions - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in animals - Dentition in animals
Nutrition in animals - Types and structure of teeth

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

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

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

- Observe specimens or models of different types of teeth
- Identify homodont and heterodont dentition
- Draw and label diagrams of different teeth types
- Examine models or specimens of different teeth types
- Draw and label external and internal structure of teeth
- Discuss functions of different teeth parts

What is dentition?
How are teeth adapted to their functions?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science
- Models of animal teeth
- Digital resources
- Charts of teeth

- Drawings - -Written test
- Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in animals - Functions of different teeth

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

- Describe functions of different types of teeth
- Relate teeth structure to their functions
- Show interest in adaptations of teeth

- Discuss functions of teeth using specimens or models
- Identify adaptations of teeth to their functions
- Share findings with peers

How do the different types of teeth function during feeding?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science 
- Models of teeth
- Digital resources
- Charts

- Written assessment - Oral questions - 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 
- Specimens or models of animal jaws
- Digital resources

-observations - Oral questions 

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in animals - Herbivores, carnivores, omnivores

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 
- Models or specimens of animal jaws
- Digital resources
- Charts

- Written assessment - Oral questions 

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in animals - Digestive system in humans
Nutrition in animals - Process of digestion

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

- Identify parts of the human digestive system
- Draw and label the digestive system
- Appreciate the organization of the digestive system

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

- Study charts on human digestive system
- Identify parts of the digestive system
- Draw and label the 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

What are the main parts of the human digestive system?
How does the process of digestion occur?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science 
- Charts of digestive system
- Models
- Digital resources

- Drawings - Oral questions
- Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

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:

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

- Discuss adaptations of the ileum to absorption
- Draw and label the structure of a villus
- Discuss fate of absorbed food substances

How are digested food substances absorbed and utilized?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science 
- Charts of villi structure
- Digital resources
- Fresh flowers
- Hand lens
- Charts of flower structure

- 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?

- Digital resources
- Charts on pollination

 Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Adaptations to insect 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 
- Insect-pollinated flowers
- Hand lens
- Charts

 - Oral questions

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Adaptations to wind pollination
Reproduction in plants - Field observation of pollination

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

- Identify features of wind-pollinated flowers
- Explain adaptations of flowers to wind pollination
- Compare wind and insect pollination

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

- Examine a wind-pollinated flower
- Record structural features
- Discuss adaptations to wind pollination
- Survey different areas to identify flower types
- Observe organisms visiting flowers
- Record observations on pollinating agents

How are flowers adapted to wind pollination?
What organisms act as pollinating agents?

- Wind-pollinated flowers (grass/maize)
- Charts
- Flowers in school compound          Camera/smartphone

- Written test - Oral questions
- Field observations  

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Fertilization in flowering plants

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

- Search for information on fertilization in plants
- Study diagrams of pollen grains and embryo sacs
- Discuss pollen tube growth and fertilization

How does fertilization occur in flowering plants?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science
- Digital resources

 - Oral questions - Drawings

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Double fertilization

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

- Explain the process of double fertilization
- Describe formation of zygote and endosperm
- Appreciate the uniqueness of flowering plant reproduction

- Search for animations on double fertilization
- Discuss the fusion of nuclei in the embryo sac
- Make a model of double fertilization

What happens during double fertilization?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science
- Digital resources
- Charts on double fertilization

-Observations

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Fruit formation

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

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

- Search for information on fruit formation
- Discuss events in fruit development
- Draw labeled diagrams of fruits

How does a fruit develop after fertilization?

- Digital resources
- Various fruits
- Charts

- Drawings - - Oral questions

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Types of fruits
Reproduction in plants - Fruit and seed dispersal
Reproduction in plants - Animals as dispersal agents

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

- Explain the importance of fruit and seed dispersal
- Describe different methods of dispersal
- Appreciate adaptations for dispersal

- Collect various fruits and seeds
- Group fruits into dry and succulent types
- Observe internal features of different fruits
- Collect fruits and seeds from different plants
- Observe external features
- Group fruits according to dispersal methods

How are fruits classified?
How are fruits and seeds dispersed?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science
- Various fruits
- Knife/scalpel
- Specimen dishes
- Various fruits and seeds
- Hand lens

- Written tests- Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Water 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
- Coconut fruit 
- Pictures of water-dispersed fruits
- Digital resources

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Wind as a dispersal agent

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

- Identify fruits dispersed by wind
- Explain adaptations for wind dispersal
- Show interest in dispersal mechanisms

- Observe fruits adapted for wind dispersal
- Identify wings, hair, feathery structures
- Discuss censor mechanism and other adaptations

How are fruits adapted for dispersal by wind?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science
- Wind-dispersed fruits/seeds
- Digital resources

 Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Self-dispersal mechanism

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

- Observe fruits with explosive dispersal
- Identify legumes and other explosive fruits
- Discuss explosive mechanism process

How do some plants disperse their seeds without external agents?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 109)
- Pods of legumes
- Castor oil fruits if available
- Digital resources

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

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

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

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

- Explain effects of agrochemicals on pollinating agents
- Discuss impact on plant reproduction
- Show concern for environmental conservation

- Search for information on importance of dispersal
- Discuss colonization of new areas
- Discuss reduced competition through dispersal
- Search for information on agrochemicals
- Discuss categories of agrochemicals
- Analyze effects on pollinators and plant reproduction

Why is fruit and seed dispersal important?
How do agrochemicals affect pollination and reproduction in plants?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science 
- Digital resources
- Charts on agrochemicals

- 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
- Digital resources

- Oral questions 

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Components of the environment

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 
- Digital resources
- Charts of ecosystems

- Written test- Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Competition

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

- Define intraspecific and interspecific competition
- Explain effects of competition on organisms
- Show interest in competitive interactions

- Search for information on competition in ecosystems
- Discuss effects on number and distribution of organisms
- Analyze examples of competition

How does competition affect organisms in an ecosystem?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science 
- Digital resources

- Oral questions - Group discussions

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Predation
The interdependence of life - Parasitism
The interdependence of life - Symbiosis

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

- Define symbiosis
- Describe examples of symbiotic relationships
- Appreciate mutual benefits in symbiosis

- Search for information on predation
- Discuss adaptations of predators and prey
- Analyze predator-prey population dynamics
- Search for information on symbiotic relationships
- Discuss root nodules, lichens, and ox-pecker relationships
- Analyze benefits to each partner

How does predation affect population dynamics?
How do organisms benefit from symbiotic relationships?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science
- Digital resources
- Videos on predation
- Charts on parasitism
- Charts on symbiosis

-Observation - Oral questions - Group discussions

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Saprophytism

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

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

- Search for information on saprophytes
- Discuss bread molds, mushrooms and other decomposers
- Analyze effects on nutrient cycling

How do saprophytes contribute to ecosystem functioning?

- Digital resources
- Photographs of fungi

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group presentations

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Temperature 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
- Thermometers
- Water in basin

 Oral questions

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Light effects

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

- Explain how light affects organisms
- Describe importance of light intensity, quality and duration
- Show interest in light as an ecological factor

- Discuss aspects of light affecting organisms
- Explain how light affects plants and animals
- Discuss measurement of light in ecosystems

How does light affect organisms in an ecosystem?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group discussions

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Atmospheric pressure
The interdependence of life - Humidity effects

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

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

- Discuss meaning of atmospheric pressure
- Explain how pressure changes with altitude
- Analyze effects on organisms
- Discuss meaning of humidity
- Measure humidity using cobalt chloride paper
- Analyze effects on plants and animals

How does atmospheric pressure affect organisms?
How does humidity affect organisms?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science
- Digital resource
- Cobalt(II) chloride paper
- Forceps
- Stopwatch

- Oral questions - Group discussions

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Wind effects

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

- Define wind and explain how it is measured
- Describe effects of wind on organisms
- Show interest in wind as an ecological factor

- Discuss meaning of wind and wind parameters
- Explain effects of wind on plants and animals
- Construct simple wind measuring instruments

How does wind affect living organisms?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science
- Digital resources
- Materials for windsock/wind vane

- Observations - Group work

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - pH and salinity

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

- Test pH of water samples
- Test pH of soil samples
- Discuss effects on organisms

How do pH and salinity affect living organisms?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science
- Universal indicator paper
- Soil and water samples
- Test tubes

- Practical skills  -Written assessment - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Energy flow
The interdependence of life - Food chains

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

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

- Discuss energy flow from sun to producers and consumers
- Explain the concept of trophic levels
- Analyze energy loss between trophic levels

How does energy flow through an ecosystem?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science
- Digital resources
- Charts on energy flow
- Charts on food chains

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group discussions

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Food webs
The interdependence of life - National Parks ecosystem

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

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

- Observe feeding habits of organisms
- Construct multiple food chains
- Combine food chains into food webs
- Select a National Park for study
- Research organisms found in the park
- Construct food webs based on park organisms

How do food chains interact to form food webs?
What interrelationships exist in Kenyan National Parks?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science
- Digital resources
- Charts on food webs
- Digital resources
- Reference books on National Parks

- Written assessment - Group presentations
- Project work 

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Decomposers

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

- Describe the role of decomposers in ecosystems
- Explain nutrient cycling
- Appreciate the importance of decomposers

- Visit a compost site to observe decomposition
- Discuss the role of decomposers in nutrient cycling
- Analyze nitrogen, carbon and sulphur cycles

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science 
- Digital resources
- School compost site

 - Practical skills -  Group discussions

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
- Digital resources

- Group presentations - Debates