Basic 3 · Religious and Moral Education · God the Creator
Trees and Forests
In this topic you will learn why trees and forests are important and how to protect them.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- State the uses of trees and forests
- Explain the dangers of cutting trees carelessly
- Plant and care for a tree
What you already know
- Caring for God's environment
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- God’s Creation & Attributes
- Sub-strand
- God the Creator
- Indicator
- B3.1.1.1.1 – Demonstrate ways to care for the environment
Introduction
Ghana's forests are home to many animals and plants. But many trees are cut down every year. We must plant more trees.
1. Why Trees Matter
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| clean air | trees give out oxygen |
| shade | we rest under trees |
| food | mango, orange, coconut |
| medicine | neem, moringa |
| homes for animals | birds and monkeys |
| rain and soil | trees help bring rain and hold soil |
2. Protecting Trees
- Plant a tree for every tree cut.
- Do not set fire to the bush.
- Join tree-planting days, like the "Green Ghana" project.
New words
- forest
- A large area full of trees.
- oxygen
- A gas in the air that we breathe.
- deforestation
- Cutting down forests.
- canopy
- The top layer of leaves in a forest.
Summary
- Trees give air, shade, food, medicine and homes for animals.
- Cutting trees carelessly causes erosion and less rain.
- We must plant and protect trees.
Class activity: Tree Planting
- Plant the tree seedling in a safe place.
- Make a watering rota.
- Give your tree a name and a label.
You need: Local tree seedling, Broom, Waste basket
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which gas do trees give out?
- A. Oxygen
- B. Smoke
- C. Steam
- D. Dust
Show answer
Answer: OxygenWe breathe oxygen.2. Cutting down forests is called…
- A. Deforestation
- B. Germination
- C. Irrigation
- D. Pollination
Show answer
Answer: DeforestationThat is deforestation.3. Trees are homes for animals.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueBirds and monkeys live in trees.4. Cutting trees helps bring more rain.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseTrees help bring rain.5. A large area full of trees is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: forestThat is a forest.6. Give three uses of trees.
Show answer
Answer: Any three: air, shade, food, medicine, homes, rain, soil.Trees are very useful.
Homework
- Plant a seed or seedling at home and water it.