Using chemicals in farming
I can describe and explain the benefits and drawbacks of using chemicals such as fertilisers and pesticides in farming.
Using chemicals in farming
I can describe and explain the benefits and drawbacks of using chemicals such as fertilisers and pesticides in farming.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Farmers use chemicals called fertilisers to produce more crops.
- Farmers use chemicals called pesticides to produce more crops.
- Some pesticides kill insects and this helps crops to grow because they are not being eaten.
- Some pesticides kill other plants (weeds) that compete with the crops to grow.
- Fertilisers and pesticides can be harmful to the environment and wildlife.
Keywords
Fertiliser - Fertilisers are minerals that are added to the soil to help plants to grow.
Pesticide - Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill organisms such as insects and weeds, which prevent crop growth.
Organic - Organic farming only uses chemicals that come from other living things (are not man-made).
Herbicide - Herbicides are a type of pesticide. They kill plants. They are sometimes also known as weedkillers.
Insecticide - Insecticides are a type of pesticide. These chemicals kill insects.
Common misconception
Pupils don’t realise that insecticides and herbicides are all examples of pesticides.
Pupils should understand pesticides are a group of chemicals that kill organisms. Different types of pesticide kill different types of pest.
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Using chemicals in farming, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Using chemicals in farming, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Ecosystems unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a chemical which is used to kill insects
a chemical which is used to kill pests
a chemical which is used to kill plants
provides producers with minerals that they need to grow well
material which comes from a living thing
causes algae to grow quickly in lakes, reducing light and oxygen
can kill organisms that help with pollination
can kill plants that provide habitats for other organisms