Basic 2 · Our World and Our People · The Environment and the Weather
A Clean and Safe Environment
In this topic you will learn ways to keep your environment clean and safe.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Name things that make the environment dirty or unsafe
- Describe ways to keep the environment clean
- Explain why a clean environment is important
What you already know
- Things in our environment (Basic 1)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- All About Us
- Sub-strand
- The Environment and the Weather
- Indicator
- B2.2.1.1.1 – Describe ways of making the environment clean and safe
Introduction
Look at two pictures. In one, rubbish is everywhere and gutters are choked. In the other, the compound is swept and flowers grow. Which place would you like to live in?
1. Things That Spoil the Environment
- littering
- bush burning
- open defecation (toileting in the open)
- choked gutters
- cutting trees without replanting
2. Keeping it Clean and Safe
| Do | Why |
|---|---|
| put rubbish in a bin | keeps the place clean |
| desilt gutters | stops flooding |
| plant trees | gives shade and clean air |
| use a toilet | stops diseases |
| do not burn the bush | protects plants and animals |
Remember: A clean environment keeps us healthy.
New words
- environment
- Everything around us.
- litter
- Rubbish thrown carelessly.
- pollution
- Making the environment dirty.
- gutter
- A drain that carries water away.
Summary
- Litter, bush burning and choked gutters spoil the environment.
- We keep it clean by using bins, clearing gutters and planting trees.
- A clean environment keeps us healthy.
Class activity: Clean-Up Time
- Use the broom and waste basket to clean the classroom.
- Compare photographs of clean and polluted places.
- Make a "Keep it Clean" sign.
You need: Broom, Waste basket, Printed photographs of clean, Polluted Ghanaian surroundings
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Where should rubbish go?
- A. In a bin
- B. On the road
- C. In the gutter
- D. In the river
Show answer
Answer: In a binBins keep places clean.2. What do choked gutters cause?
- A. Flooding
- B. Rain
- C. Sunshine
- D. Wind
Show answer
Answer: FloodingBlocked water overflows.3. Planting trees helps the environment.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueTrees give shade and clean air.4. Bush burning is good for the environment.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseIt kills plants and animals.5. Rubbish thrown carelessly is ______.
Show answer
Answer: litterThat is litter.6. Write two ways to keep your school clean.
Show answer
Answer: E.g. use bins, sweep daily.Good habits keep schools clean.
Homework
- Help sweep your compound and put rubbish in a bin.