Level: JHS, Basic 7 | Subject: Integrated Science | Strand: Forces and Energy | Topic: Agricultural Tools
Curriculum reference: B7.4.5.1 (NaCCA Integrated Science).
1. Why Farmers Use Tools
- Agricultural tools help farmers do farm work faster, with less effort and better results.
- Many farm tools are simple machines. A hoe and a cutlass are wedges, a wheelbarrow is a lever, and a plough is a wedge.
2. Common Farm Tools and Their Uses
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Cutlass | Clearing bush, harvesting plantain, cutting stems |
| Hoe | Weeding, making mounds and ridges, digging |
| Spade | Digging holes and trenches |
| Shovel | Lifting and moving soil, sand and manure |
| Rake | Levelling the soil and gathering dry weeds |
| Watering can | Watering seedlings and nursery beds |
| Wheelbarrow | Carrying soil, manure, harvests |
| Sprayer | Spraying pesticides and herbicides |
| Pickaxe | Breaking hard ground and stones |
| Secateurs | Pruning branches of cocoa and other crops |
| Tractor and plough | Ploughing and preparing large farms quickly |
3. Care and Maintenance of Tools
- Wash tools after use and dry them.
- Sharpen cutting tools such as cutlasses regularly.
- Oil or grease metal parts to prevent rust.
- Repair or replace broken handles.
- Store tools in a dry tool shed, hung up or placed neatly.
4. Safety Rules
- Wear boots, gloves and a hat or mask where needed.
- Carry sharp tools with the blade pointing down.
- Never play with farm tools.
- Keep chemicals and sprayers away from children, and wash hands after spraying.
- Keep a first aid kit on the farm.
Remember: Use the right tool for the right job, keep tools clean and sharp, and always work safely.
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Education Always (education.inspiringalways.com). Original notes written to follow the NaCCA Basic 7 Integrated Science curriculum.