Class: Primary 4
Term: 3rd Term
Subject: pre-Vocational Studies
Curriculum Theme: Agricultural Science
Previous Lesson: Meaning Of Farm Tools And Equipments
Topic: Types Of Tools: Cutting Tools
Content/learning Area: Cutting tools: cutlass; axe; sickle
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Identify at least three cutting tools used in agriculture.
- Affective Domain: Demonstrate interest in the use and care of simple cutting tools.
- Psychomotor Domain: Match each cutting tool with its correct use.
- Social Domain: Work in pairs to discuss and name common cutting tools.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Center Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Data from: Wikipedia – Cutting tool (machining)
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will employ the help of the following materials:
- Real samples or models of cutlass, axe, and sickle
- Pictures or charts of cutting tools
- Flashcards with tool names and their uses
- Whiteboard and marker
- Interactive video clips showing use of cutting tools
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding cutting tools is important for safe and effective work in farms and gardens.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have seen some tools like cutlass or axe at home or during farming activities and can describe simple tools.
Lesson Content
types Of Tools: Cutting Tools
Cutting tools are tools used to cut things like grass, wood, and plants on the farm.They are used for clearing and pruning. They help farmers clear land and prepare the soil for planting.
The following are examples of cutting tools:
- Cutlass
- Axe
- Sickle
Uses of Cutting Tools
These include:
- cutlass is used to clear grasses and small plants
- Axe is used to cut wood and tree branches
- Sickle is used to harvest crops like rice and wheat
Cutting Tools and Safe Use
Cutting tools have a sharp edge or blade used to separate materials. Farm examples include a cutlass for clearing light vegetation and a sickle for cutting grasses or harvesting some crops. Secateurs are used by trained adults to trim small branches.
The correct tool depends on the material and task. Cutting tools must be carried with the blade pointing safely downward, stored in a dry secure place and used only under responsible adult supervision. Pupils should identify tools from pictures; they should not practise with sharp blades.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Lecture, Description, Demonstration, visual Aids, Group Work
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 mins
teaching Skill: set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows a cutlass and tells a short story about how farmers use it.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and answer questions about the tool shown
Step 2: Meaning of Cutting Tools
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Explains what cutting tools are and asks pupils to describe tools they know.Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond and describe cutting tools they have seen
Step 3: Examples of cutting Tools
Time: 7 mins
Teaching skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Displays cutlass, axe, and sickle, stating their names clearly.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe,repeat tool names and handle tools safely
Step 4: Uses of Cutting Tools
Time: 7 mins
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: explains how each tool is used and matches tools to tasks on chart.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils match tools to correct uses on the board
Step 5: Safety Measures
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils to list safety rules when using sharp tools
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils list and explain simple safety rules
Step 6: Note-Taking
Time: 3 mins
Teaching Skill: Writing
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher dictates notes from the board slowly and clearly
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy notes neatly into their books
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher asks oral questions and gives matching cards of tools and uses
pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer and match cards correctly
Objective-aligned checks:
- Identify at least three cutting tools used in agriculture.
- Demonstrate interest in the use and care of simple cutting tools.
- Match each cutting tool with its correct use.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 3 mins
Teaching Skill: Instructional/Cognitive/Social
Teacher’s Activity: Reviews the lesson and allows pupils to share what they liked about the class
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share answers and clap for each other
lesson Keywords
- Cutlass: A tool used for cutting grass, bushes, and other vegetation.
- axe: A tool used to cut trees and wood for various purposes.
- Sickle: A tool used to harvest crops like rice, wheat, and other grains.
- Tool: An object used to do farm work, making tasks easier and more efficient.
- Safety: Being careful to avoid danger and prevent accidents when using tools.
lesson evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Name two cutting tools they saw in class
- State one use of the axe
- Mention one safety rule when using a cutlass
- Match sickle with its correct use
- Say why we need to be careful with sharp tools
Assignment/Homework
- Draw a cutlass and label its parts.
- List three safety rules to follow when using farm tools.
- Ask your parents or guardians about other cutting tools they use at home or on the farm and write down their names and uses.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and use real objects for demonstration.
- For advanced learners: Challenge them to research other types of cutting tools and their specific uses.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use real objects, pictures, videos, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Ensure pupils handle tools safely under supervision. Reinforce learning with repetition and hands-on participation. Use local tools if real ones are not available.

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