Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Geography
Lesson Topic: Changing demands for water from human activities: agriculture
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the main drivers of increasing agricultural water demand.
  • Explain how different irrigation methods affect water‑use efficiency.
  • Analyse regional trends in agricultural water consumption and associated challenges.
  • Evaluate strategies to reduce water demand in agriculture.
  • Interpret a simple water‑balance equation for an irrigated field.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint slides with diagrams and tables
  • Printed worksheet with water‑balance equation and data tables
  • Markers and chart paper for group mind‑maps
  • Laptop with internet access for quick research
  • Calculator for unit conversions
 Introduction:

Begin with a striking image of a parched field to highlight water scarcity. Ask students what they already know about how agriculture uses water and link this to recent news about droughts. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify key demand drivers, compare irrigation efficiencies, and propose ways to reduce water use.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Quick quiz on global water‑use sectors; discuss answers.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Present drivers of agricultural water demand (population, diet, climate, etc.).
  3. Data analysis activity (12') – In pairs, examine sector and regional tables; calculate percentage changes and discuss implications.
  4. Irrigation methods demonstration (8') – Show short video of surface, sprinkler, and drip systems; fill a comparison chart of efficiencies.
  5. Water‑balance modelling (10') – Guided practice solving ΔS = P + I – ET – R – D with sample numbers on the worksheet.
  6. Strategy brainstorm (8') – Groups list mitigation measures; create a class mind‑map on the board.
  7. Exit ticket (5') – Write one key takeaway and one lingering question.
Conclusion:

Summarise how population growth, dietary shifts, and climate variability drive agricultural water demand and why irrigation efficiency matters. Collect the exit tickets to gauge understanding, then assign homework: each student researches a locally grown crop’s primary irrigation method and writes a short paragraph on its water‑use efficiency and possible improvements.