Level: JHS, Basic 7 | Subject: Integrated Science | Strand: Humans and the Environment | Topic: Science and Industry
Curriculum reference: NaCCA Basic 7 Integrated Science, Strand 5 (Humans and the Environment). Written from the standard NaCCA topic list. Please check against the curriculum PDF.
1. What is Industry?
- Industry is the use of science, tools and machines to change raw materials into finished products.
- A raw material is a natural material used to make something else.
2. Raw Materials and Products in Ghana
| Raw material | Product | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa beans | Chocolate, cocoa powder, cocoa butter | Cocoa processing (Tema, Takoradi) |
| Cassava | Gari, starch, ethanol | Food processing |
| Palm fruit | Palm oil, soap | Oil and soap making |
| Shea nuts | Shea butter | Cosmetics and food |
| Bauxite | Aluminium | Metal industry |
| Gold ore | Gold bars, jewellery | Mining |
| Cotton | Cloth and thread | Textile industry |
| Timber | Furniture, plywood | Wood industry |
| Fish | Smoked, canned fish | Fish processing |
3. Types of Industry
- Primary: collects raw materials (farming, fishing, mining, logging).
- Secondary: changes raw materials into products (factories, bakeries, soap making).
- Tertiary: offers services (transport, banking, teaching, health).
4. How Science Helps Industry
- Better machines save time and increase production.
- Science helps preserve food (canning, drying, freezing).
- It improves quality and safety through testing.
- It creates jobs and income for families and the country.
5. Effects on the Environment and Safety
- Factories can release smoke, chemicals and noise.
- Mining may damage land, forests and rivers (as in galamsey).
- Workers should wear helmets, gloves, boots and masks, and follow safety rules.
- Industries should treat waste before releasing it.
Remember: Industry changes raw materials into useful products. Good industry protects workers and the environment.
Ready to practise?
Education Always (education.inspiringalways.com). Original notes written to follow the NaCCA Basic 7 Integrated Science curriculum.

