Basic 9 Social Studies Term 1 Week 5 Lesson Plan

Display various objects (e.g., wooden item, metal ring, plastic bottle, a piece of coal) and ask learners to guess which of these come from natural resources found in Ghana. Share performance indicators with learners.

Concrete-resource task: Set out these resources for each group: Cocoa pod; Printed photograph of gold-bearing rock; Map of Ghana's natural resources. Learners examine the local evidence, locate relevant places where applicable, and use the items in the group analysis below. Ask learners: What do you think “natural resources” mean? Discuss and then provide a definition: Materials or substances occurring in nature which can be exploited for economic gain. Show learners videos or pictures of various natural resources found in Ghana. Have them classify the resources as renewable or non-renewable. Renewable Resources in Ghana: - Timber: Ghana has vast forests that are a source of various species of wood. The country's timber industry is significant, exporting logs, lumber, and plywood. - Solar Energy: With its equatorial location, Ghana receives abundant sunlight. In recent years, there's been growing interest in harnessing solar energy for power. - Wind Energy: Coastal areas of Ghana, especially the Volta Region, are considered suitable for wind energy generation. - Water (Hydro Power): The Akosombo Dam on the Volta River provides a significant portion of Ghana's electricity through hydropower. - Biomass: This includes agricultural residues, animal manure, and wood waste which can be converted to energy. Non-Renewable Resources in Ghana: - Gold: Ghana is one of the world's top gold producers. Historically, it was known as the Gold Coast before gaining independence from colonial rule. - Bauxite: Found primarily in the central regions of Ghana, bauxite is used in producing aluminum. - Oil: Discovered in commercial quantities in the Tano Basin in 2007, Ghana's oil and gas sector has seen significant growth. The Jubilee Oil Field is a primary producer. - Manganese: Ghana is also rich in this resource, with its mining concentrated in the southwest of the country. - Diamonds: Although not as significant as gold, diamonds are also mined in Ghana. - Cocoa: Though renewable in nature (as cocoa trees can be replanted), cocoa is a significant export commodity for Ghana. It may be debated whether or not it fits strictly under non-renewable in the long-term sense, but it's worth mentioning due to its economic importance. Provide learners with a map of Ghana and stickers or colored pencils. Guide them in marking the primary locations where key resources are found. Open a class discussion on efficient ways of exploiting natural resources, using examples from Ghana where possible. Assessment 1. What is the difference between renewable and non- renewable resources?

Use peer discussion and effective questioning to find out from learners what they have learnt during the lesson

Share a statistic related to the export or economic impact of one of Ghana's natural resources, such as gold or cocoa. Ask learners why they think this resource is crucial for Ghana. "Why do countries like Ghana focus on extracting and using their natural resources?" Share performance indicators with learners.

Concrete-resource task: Set out these resources for each group: Cocoa pod; Printed photograph of gold-bearing rock; Map of Ghana's natural resources. Learners examine the local evidence, locate relevant places where applicable, and use the items in the group analysis below. 2. Name two renewable resources found in Ghana. 3. Why is it important to exploit natural resources efficiently? 4. Which non-renewable resource is vital for Ghana's economy? Initiate a conversation on how countries use natural resources to benefit their economy. Discuss the significance of natural resources for the development of countries, specifically Ghana. Emphasize the difference between sustainable and unsustainable exploitation. Discuss how natural resources can be a significant boost for a country’s economy. Use Ghana as a case study and delve into specifics like jobs, exports, and infrastructure. Present the difficulties in exploiting natural resources effectively, including: - Low level of technology - Limited technical expertise - Limited capital resources Divide learners into small groups and assign each a challenge related to natural resource exploitation. Each group should brainstorm potential solutions or ways to mitigate their assigned challenge. Assessment 1. Why are natural resources crucial for Ghana's development? 2. What is meant by sustainable exploitation of resources? 3. Name one challenge Ghana faces in effectively exploiting its resources. 4. How can Ghana overcome some of these challenges?

Take feedback from learners and summarize the lesson.