Living Things and Their Environment

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

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

- 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

What are the parts of a leaf?

- 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

- Observation - Oral questions - Written tests

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Functions of leaf parts

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

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

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

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 66)
- Digital resources
- Charts showing leaf structures

- Oral questions - Written assessment - Group presentations

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Adaptations of the leaf to photosynthesis

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

- Oral questions - Written assessment - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Structure and function of chloroplast
Nutrition in plants - Process of photosynthesis
Nutrition in plants - Light and dark reactions

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

- Describe the structure of chloroplast
- Explain the functions of parts of the chloroplast
- Show interest in the chloroplast as site of photosynthesis

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

- Search for information on the structure of chloroplast using digital resources
- Draw and label a chloroplast showing its internal structure
- Discuss functions of chloroplast components
- 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

Why is the chloroplast important in photosynthesis?
How do the light and dark stages differ in photosynthesis?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 68)
- Digital resources
- Charts of chloroplast structure
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 69)
- Charts on photosynthesis
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 70)
- Digital resources
- Charts on photosynthesis stages

- Diagrams - Written assessment - Oral questions
- Written questions - Oral assessment - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Products of photosynthesis
Nutrition in plants - Gas produced during photosynthesis

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

- Identify products of photosynthesis
- Explain how products are formed and stored
- Appreciate the value of photosynthetic products

- Discuss the products of photosynthesis using reference materials
- Explain how each organic food substance is produced and stored
- Make notes on findings

What are the products of photosynthesis and how are they important?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 71)
- Charts on photosynthesis
- Reference books
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 72)
- Water plants (Elodea)
- Test tubes, beakers
- Sodium hydrogen carbonate

- Written test - Oral assessment - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Testing for starch in a leaf

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

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

- Take a green leaf exposed to light for 5 hours
- Follow the procedure for testing starch in a leaf
- Observe and record results

How can we test for the presence of starch in a leaf?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 73)
- Fresh leaves
- Iodine solution
- Methylated spirit, hot water

- Practical skills - Written reports - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in plants - Conditions necessary for photosynthesis
Nutrition in plants - Investigating light in 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 pg. 74)
- Digital resources
- Reference books
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 75)
- Potted plant
- Light-proof material
- Iodine solution

- Written questions - Oral assessment - 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

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

- 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
- 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 carbon(IV) oxide necessary for photosynthesis?
Why is chlorophyll 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
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
- 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
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 79)
- Reference books

- Project design - Written assessment - 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 pg. 80)
- Digital resources
- Charts on animal nutrition

- 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

- Observe specimens or models of different types of teeth
- Identify homodont and heterodont dentition
- Draw and label diagrams of different teeth types

What is dentition?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 81)
- Models of animal teeth
- Digital resources
- Charts of teeth
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 82)
- Models of teeth

- Drawings - Written questions - Oral assessment

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in animals - Functions of different teeth
Nutrition in animals - Classification based on dentition
Nutrition in animals - Herbivores, carnivores, omnivores

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

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

- Discuss functions of teeth using specimens or models
- Identify adaptations of teeth to their functions
- Share findings with peers
- Study specimens or models of jaws of different animals
- Count teeth in upper and lower jaws
- Determine dental formula of different animals

How do the different types of teeth function during feeding?
How are animals classified based on their dentition?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 83)
- Models of teeth
- Digital resources
- Charts
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 84)
- Specimens or models of animal jaws
- Digital resources
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 85)
- Models or specimens of animal jaws
- Charts

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

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in animals - Digestive system in humans

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

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

What are the main parts of the human digestive system?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 86)
- Charts of digestive system
- Models
- Digital resources

- Drawings - Written assessment - Oral questions

Living Things and Their Environment

Nutrition in animals - Process of digestion

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

- Search for information on digestion in the alimentary canal
- Discuss digestion in the mouth, stomach, duodenum and ileum
- Watch animations on the digestive process

How does the process of digestion occur?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 87)
- Digital resources
- Charts of digestive process

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

- Written assessment - Drawings - Oral questions

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Pollination
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:

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

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

- Discuss the meaning of pollination
- Distinguish between self and cross-pollination
- Illustrate different types of pollination
- Examine an insect-pollinated flower
- Record color, scent, size of flower
- Discuss adaptations to insect pollination

What is pollination and why is it important?
How are flowers adapted to insect pollination?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 87)
- Digital resources
- Charts on pollination
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 88)
- Insect-pollinated flowers
- Hand lens
- Charts
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 94)
- Wind-pollinated flowers (grass/maize)

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Observation
- 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

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

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Drawings

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?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 98)
- Digital resources
- Various fruits
- Charts

- Drawings - Written assessment - 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 pg. 99)
- Various fruits
- Knife/scalpel
- Specimen dishes
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 102)
- Various fruits and seeds
- Hand lens
- Specimen dishes
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 106)
- Fruits with hooks (black jack)
- Succulent fruits

- Practical skills - Written assessment - Classification charts
- Practical skills - Written assessment - 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 pg. 107)
- Coconut fruit if available
- 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
Reproduction in plants - Self-dispersal mechanism

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 pg. 108)
- Wind-dispersed fruits/seeds
- Hand lens
- Digital resources
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 109)
- Pods of legumes
- Castor oil fruits if available

- Practical skills - Written assessment - Observation

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Importance of dispersal

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

- Search for information on importance of dispersal
- Discuss colonization of new areas
- Discuss reduced competition through dispersal

Why is fruit and seed dispersal important?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 110)
- Digital resources
- Reference books

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group discussions

Living Things and Their Environment

Reproduction in plants - Effect of agrochemicals
Reproduction in plants - Role of flowers in nature
The interdependence of life - Components of the environment

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

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

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

- Search for information on agrochemicals
- Discuss categories of agrochemicals
- Analyze effects on pollinators and plant reproduction
- Study diagrams of ecosystems
- Identify living and non-living components
- Discuss relationships between organisms

How do agrochemicals affect pollination and reproduction in plants?
What is an ecosystem?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 111)
- Digital resources
- Charts on agrochemicals
- Reference books
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 115)
- Digital resources
- Charts of ecosystems

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group discussions
- Written assessment - Oral questions - 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 pg. 116)
- Digital resources
- Reference books

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group discussions

Living Things and Their Environment

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

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
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 119)
- Charts on parasitism

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group discussions

Living Things and Their Environment

The interdependence of life - Symbiosis

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

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

- Search for information on symbiotic relationships
- Discuss root nodules, lichens, and ox-pecker relationships
- Analyze benefits to each partner

How do organisms benefit from symbiotic relationships?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 120)
- Digital resources
- Charts on symbiosis

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group discussions

Living Things and Their Environment

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

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

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

- Search for information on saprophytes
- Discuss bread molds, mushrooms and other decomposers
- Analyze effects on nutrient cycling
- Discuss aspects of light affecting organisms
- Explain how light affects plants and animals
- Discuss measurement of light in ecosystems

How do saprophytes contribute to ecosystem functioning?
How does light affect organisms in an ecosystem?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 121)
- Digital resources
- Photographs of fungi
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 122)
- Thermometers
- Water in basin
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 123)
- Digital resources
- Light meter if available
- Secchi disc

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group presentations
- 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

- 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
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 125)
- Cobalt(II) chloride paper
- Forceps
- Stopwatch

- Written assessment - 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 pg. 126)
- Digital resources
- Materials for windsock/wind vane

- Practical skills - Written assessment - 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 pg. 127)
- 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
The interdependence of life - Food webs

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

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

- Discuss energy flow from sun to producers and consumers
- Explain the concept of trophic levels
- Analyze energy loss between trophic levels
- Observe feeding habits of organisms
- Construct multiple food chains
- Combine food chains into food webs

How does energy flow through an ecosystem?
How do food chains interact to form food webs?

- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 128)
- Digital resources
- Charts on energy flow
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 129)
- Charts on food chains
- Textbooks (KLB Integrated Science pg. 130)
- Digital resources
- Charts on food webs

- Written assessment - Oral questions - Group discussions
- 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