ECOLOGY

Introduction to Ecology

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Define ecology and explain its importance. Distinguish between biotic and abiotic factors. State the significance of ecological studies.

Q/A: Review of organism-environment interactions. Discussion of ecology definition and importance. Teacher exposition of ecological studies for conservation and biodiversity.

Charts - Definition of ecology, Examples of ecological studies

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 36-37

ECOLOGY

Ecological Terms and Concepts
Ecosystems - Structure and Components
Abiotic Factors - Temperature and Water
Abiotic Factors - Light and Humidity
Abiotic Factors - Wind, Altitude, and Salinity
Biotic Factors - Producers
Biotic Factors - Consumers
Biotic Factors - Decomposers and Detrivores

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Define key ecological terms. Explain concepts of biosphere, environment, habitat, ecosystem. Distinguish between autecology and synecology.
Explain effects of wind on plant growth. Describe altitude effects on organisms. Analyze salinity effects on plant distribution.

Teacher exposition of ecological terminology. Discussion of biosphere, environment, habitat, ecosystem definitions. Q/A: Differences between autecology and synecology studies.
Discussion of wind effects on transpiration and plant shape. Exposition of altitude effects on atmospheric pressure and temperature. Q/A: Halophyte adaptations to saline conditions.

Charts - Ecological terms definitions, Diagrams of biosphere layers
Charts - Ecosystem components, Examples of different ecosystems
Charts - Temperature effects on organisms, Water cycle diagram
Charts - Light intensity effects, Humidity and transpiration
Charts - Wind effects on plants, Altitude zonation, Halophyte examples
Charts - Examples of producers, Photosynthesis equation
Charts - Consumer classification, Examples of different consumer types
Charts - Examples of decomposers, Nutrient cycling diagrams

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 36-37
Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 42-43

ECOLOGY

Nitrogen Cycle
Trophic Levels and Energy Flow

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe the nitrogen cycle process. Explain the role of bacteria in nitrogen fixation. Identify stages of nitrification and denitrification.

Detailed study of nitrogen cycle using Fig 2.1. Discussion of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, nitrifying bacteria, and denitrifying bacteria. Q/A: Importance of nitrogen for protein synthesis.

Charts - Fig 2.1 nitrogen cycle, Table 2.1 bacterial roles
Charts - Trophic level diagrams, Energy flow patterns

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 38-40

ECOLOGY

Food Chains
Food Webs

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Define food chains and construct examples. Identify energy flow direction in food chains. Give examples from terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

Study of food chain examples from textbook. Construction of terrestrial food chains (grass→impala→leopard). Aquatic food chains (plankton→fish→shark). Practice drawing food chains.

Charts - Food chain examples, Arrows showing energy direction
Charts - Fig 2.4 food web, Complex food web examples

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 46-47

ECOLOGY

Ecological Pyramids - Introduction
Pyramid of Numbers and Biomass

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Define ecological pyramids. Distinguish types of ecological pyramids. Explain pyramid of numbers concept.

Teacher exposition of ecological pyramids as graphical representations. Discussion of pyramid types - numbers, biomass, energy. Study of pyramid of numbers using Fig 2.6.

Charts - Fig 2.6 pyramid of numbers, Different pyramid types
Data sets for pyramid construction, Calculators, Graph paper

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 47-49

ECOLOGY

Interspecific Relationships - Predation
Parasitism - Types and Adaptations
Saprophytism and Economic Importance
Mutualism and Symbiosis

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Define predator-prey relationships. Describe predator and prey adaptations. Give examples of predation in different habitats.
Define saprophytism and role of decomposers. Explain economic importance of saprophytes. Describe harmful effects of saprophytes.

Detailed discussion of predation as feeding relationship. Study of predator adaptations (speed, senses, hunting strategies). Q/A: Prey defense mechanisms (camouflage, mimicry, protective covering).
Discussion of saprophytes as decomposers. Economic benefits: recycling, soil fertility, antibiotics, fermentation. Harmful effects: food decay, food poisoning. Q/A: Useful vs harmful saprophytic activities.

Charts - Predator-prey examples, Adaptation illustrations
Charts - Parasite examples, Adaptation diagrams, Life cycle illustrations
Charts - Decomposition process, Examples of useful and harmful saprophytes
Charts - Fig 2.8 lichens, Fig 2.9 root nodules, Symbiotic relationship examples

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 50-52
Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 57-60

ECOLOGY

Commensalism
Population Studies - Introduction

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Define commensalism and give examples. Distinguish commensalism from other relationships. Analyze one-sided beneficial relationships.

Discussion of commensalism as one-sided benefit. Examples: ox-pecker birds and buffalo, cattle egrets and grazing animals, epiphytic plants on trees. Q/A: Why host doesn't benefit or suffer.

Charts - Commensalism examples, Epiphyte illustrations
Charts - Population definitions, Factors affecting population

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 63-64

ECOLOGY

Population Estimation Methods - Direct Counting
Capture-Mark-Release-Recapture Method

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe direct counting methods. Explain when direct counting is suitable. Practice population estimation calculations.

Discussion of direct counting for small populations and large slow-moving animals. Examples: tree counting, aerial surveys. Practice with simple population counts and density calculations.

Calculators, Sample area measurements, Population data sets
Calculators, Sample data for calculations, Formula charts

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 61-62

ECOLOGY

Quadrat and Transect Methods
Plant Adaptations - Xerophytes

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Describe quadrat sampling method. Explain line and belt transect techniques. Practice population estimation using sampling.

Study of quadrat method for plants and small animals using Fig 2.12. Discussion of line transects for distribution patterns. Practice calculations using sampling formulas.

Quadrats (if available), Measuring tapes, Sample area data, Calculators
Charts - Fig 2.14 xerophyte examples, Cactus specimens (if available)

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 62-64

ECOLOGY

Plant Adaptations - Hydrophytes
Plant Adaptations - Halophytes and Mesophytes
Environmental Pollution - Introduction
Air Pollution and Global Warming

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Define hydrophytes and aquatic conditions. Describe adaptations to aquatic environments. Explain buoyancy and gaseous exchange adaptations.
Define pollution and identify major pollutants. Classify types of environmental pollution. Explain pollution effects on ecosystems.

Study of hydrophyte adaptations using Fig 2.15. Discussion of aerenchyma tissue, stomatal distribution, reduced xylem. Q/A: Adaptations to low light and oxygen levels in water.
Teacher exposition of pollution definition and sources. Discussion of air, water, and soil pollution types. Q/A: Human activities causing pollution and ecosystem disruption.

Charts - Fig 2.15 aquatic plants, Water plant specimens (if available)
Charts - Fig 2.16 mangroves, Comparison table of plant types
Charts - Pollution types and sources, Environmental damage photos
Charts - Fig 2.18 greenhouse effect, Air pollution sources diagram

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 66-68
Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 70-71

ECOLOGY

Water Pollution
Soil Pollution and Land Degradation

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Identify sources of water pollution. Explain effects on aquatic ecosystems. Describe eutrophication process.

Study of water pollution sources using Fig 2.20. Discussion of domestic waste, industrial effluents, pesticides, oil spills. Q/A: Eutrophication, algal blooms, and oxygen depletion.

Charts - Fig 2.20 water pollution sources, Eutrophication process diagram
Charts - Fig 2.22 soil conservation methods, Soil erosion examples

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 75-78

ECOLOGY

Human Diseases and Ecology
Malaria and Parasitic Diseases

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Relate environmental conditions to disease occurrence. Describe waterborne diseases. Explain disease transmission and prevention.

Study of cholera, typhoid, amoebic dysentery transmission and prevention. Discussion of poor sanitation as disease cause. Q/A: Hygiene practices and disease control.

Charts - Disease transmission cycles, Prevention methods
Charts - Fig 2.24 malaria life cycle, Parasite life cycles, Prevention methods

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 82-84

ECOLOGY
REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Practical Activities and Field Studies
Introduction and Fertilisation Types
Reproduction in Amphibia and Mammalian Characteristics

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
Apply ecological knowledge in practical investigations. Conduct population studies and food chain observations. Examine pollution in local environment.

Practical session: observing feeding relationships, estimating populations using quadrats, identifying pollution sources. Students conduct mini-ecosystem studies. Safety: Proper handling of specimens.

Quadrats, Sweep nets, Measuring tapes, Notebooks, Collection containers, Hand lenses
Charts showing reproduction types and fertilisation, Textbook, Wall charts
Frog eggs specimens, Charts showing amphibian and mammalian reproduction, Hand lens

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 88-96

REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Female Reproductive System Structure
Stages of Reproduction and Oogenesis
Menstrual Cycle - Follicle Development and Ovulation
Hormonal Control and Menstrual Phases
Ovum Structure and Fertilisation Process
Early Development and Twins Formation
Implantation and Pregnancy Indicators

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To draw and label the human female reproductive system. To identify functions of ovaries, oviducts, uterus and vagina. To describe uterine structure and endometrium function. To explain placenta formation.
To draw and label structure of human ovum. To describe sperm movement in female tract. To explain acrosome function during fertilisation. To outline zygote formation and nuclear fusion.

Drawing and labeling: Complete female reproductive system. Teacher demonstration using charts and models. Discussion: Functions of each organ and structure-function relationships. Detailed explanation: Endometrium role and placenta formation during pregnancy.
Drawing and labeling: Mature human ovum structure. Discussion: Sperm journey from vagina to oviduct. Teacher exposition: Acrosome enzymes and zona pellucida penetration. Q/A: Nuclear fusion, chromosome combination and zygote formation.

Charts of female reproductive system, Drawing materials, Models if available, Textbook
Flow charts, Oogenesis diagrams, Drawing materials, Textbook
Menstrual cycle charts, Drawing materials, Textbook
Hormone level graphs, Menstrual cycle phase charts, Textbook
Ovum structure charts, Fertilisation diagrams, Drawing materials, Textbook
Developmental stages charts, Twin formation diagrams, Drawing materials, Textbook
Implantation charts, Pregnancy test demonstration materials, Textbook

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 149-151
Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 155-157

REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Gestation and Embryonic Membranes
Placenta Structure and Functions

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To define gestation period in humans. To identify extra-embryonic membranes. To describe amnion, chorion and allantois functions. To explain amniotic fluid importance.

Teacher exposition: 40-week gestation period comparison with other mammals. Detailed discussion: Formation and functions of amnion, chorion, allantois. Q/A: Amniotic fluid functions - protection, support, lubrication. Drawing embryonic membrane arrangement.

Gestation charts, Fetal development models, Drawing materials, Textbook
Placenta structure diagrams, Function charts, Drawing materials, Textbook

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 159-161

REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Pregnancy Hormones and Parturition
Male Reproductive System Structure and Functions

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To identify hormones during pregnancy. To explain HCG, progesterone and oestrogen roles. To describe hormonal changes triggering birth. To explain the parturition process.

Discussion: Hormone secretion patterns during pregnancy. Teacher exposition: HCG, progesterone, oestrogen functions and interactions. Detailed explanation: Hormonal triggers for birth and oxytocin role. Q/A: Uterine contractions, cervix dilation and delivery stages.

Pregnancy hormone charts, Birth process diagrams, Hormone level graphs, Textbook
Male reproductive system charts, Drawing materials, Models if available, Textbook

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 163-165

REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Sperm Structure and Male Hormones
HIV/AIDS - Causes and Transmission

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To draw and label spermatozoon structure. To explain head, middle piece and tail functions. To describe testosterone and FSH roles. To identify secondary sexual characteristics.

Drawing and labeling: Detailed sperm structure showing all components. Discussion: Sperm adaptations for fertilization and motility. Teacher exposition: Hormone control of sperm production and male development. Q/A: Testosterone effects and secondary sexual characteristics.

Sperm structure diagrams, Male hormone charts, Drawing materials, Textbook
AIDS awareness charts, HIV transmission diagrams, Educational materials, Textbook

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 166-167

REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

AIDS Symptoms and Prevention
Bacterial STIs - Gonorrhea and Syphilis
Viral STIs and Other Infections
Introduction and Definitions
Measurement of Growth
Patterns and Rate of Growth

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To identify early and late AIDS symptoms. To describe opportunistic diseases. To explain AIDS prevention methods. To discuss social responsibility and behavior change.
To describe genital herpes causes and symptoms. To explain hepatitis B transmission and effects. To identify trichomoniasis and other STIs. To emphasize prevention strategies for all STIs.

Discussion: Early AIDS symptoms and progression to full syndrome. Teacher exposition: Opportunistic diseases and their effects. Detailed explanation: Prevention strategies and behavior modification. Group discussion: Social responsibility and community health.
Discussion: Viral STIs and their incurable nature. Teacher exposition: Herpes simplex virus effects and dormancy. Q/A: Hepatitis B liver effects and vaccination. Discussion: Comprehensive STI prevention and faithful relationships.

AIDS symptom charts, Prevention posters, Case study materials, Textbook
STI information charts, Bacterial infection diagrams, Textbook
Viral STI charts, Prevention strategy posters, Textbook
Charts showing growth and development, Textbook, Wall charts
Measuring instruments, Scales, Rulers, Calculators, Sample plants
Growth curve charts, Graph paper, Calculators, Sample data sets

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 170-171
Certificate Biology Form 3, Page 172

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Factors Controlling Plant Growth
Stages of Growth and Life Cycle
Seed Structure - Monocots and Dicots
Conditions for Germination

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To identify external factors affecting plant growth. To explain how oxygen, temperature, water, light and space influence growth. To describe internal factors including hormones. To relate factors to plant survival and adaptation.

Detailed discussion: External factors - oxygen, temperature, water, light, space. Teacher exposition: How each factor affects biochemical processes. Q/A: Competition effects and resource limitation. Introduction to internal factors and plant hormones.

Environmental factor charts, Temperature scales, Light meters if available, Textbook
Plant life cycle charts, Examples of annual and perennial plants, Textbook
Soaked bean and maize seeds, Hand lens, Scalpels, Drawing materials, Iodine solution
Germination apparatus, Seeds at different stages, Temperature monitoring equipment, Textbook

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 180-181

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Types of Germination
Germination Practical Investigation
Primary Growth and Meristems

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To distinguish between epigeal and hypogeal germination. To describe hypocotyl and epicotyl elongation. To explain cotyledon behavior in each type. To give examples of plants showing each germination type.

Practical observation: Germinating bean and maize seeds at different stages. Teacher exposition: Epigeal germination - hypocotyl elongation, cotyledon emergence. Discussion: Hypogeal germination - epicotyl elongation, cotyledons remain underground. Drawing comparative diagrams of both types.

Germinating seeds at various stages, Drawing materials, Observation trays, Hand lens
Seeds, Petri dishes, Cotton wool, Measuring rulers, Data recording sheets, Clay pots
Meristem distribution charts, Drawing materials, Microscope slides of meristems, Textbook

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 184-186

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Secondary Growth and Cambium Activity
Annual Rings and Plant Dormancy

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To describe secondary growth in dicots. To explain vascular cambium and cork cambium functions. To identify secondary xylem and phloem formation. To relate secondary growth to plant strength and support.

Detailed discussion: Secondary thickening in woody plants. Teacher exposition: Vascular cambium tangential divisions. Q/A: Secondary xylem and phloem development. Discussion: Cork cambium, lenticels and bark formation. Drawing cross-sections showing secondary tissues.

Secondary growth diagrams, Tree trunk sections, Drawing materials, Hand lens
Tree trunk cross-sections, Dormant plant organs, Charts, Textbook

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 186-188

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Seed Dormancy and Breaking Mechanisms
Plant Growth Substances - Auxins
Gibberellins, Cytokinins and Other Hormones
Practical Applications of Plant Hormones

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To describe seed dormancy characteristics. To explain factors that break seed dormancy. To identify vernalization, moisture, light and chemical effects. To discuss advantages of seed dormancy.
To describe gibberellin functions and effects. To explain cytokinin roles in cell division and growth. To identify abscissic acid as growth inhibitor. To describe ethene and florigen effects.

Detailed discussion: Dormant seed characteristics and low metabolic activity. Teacher exposition: Vernalization, moisture, light requirements. Q/A: Chemical inhibitors and gibberellic acid effects. Discussion: Dormancy advantages - dispersal time, favorable conditions.
Discussion: Gibberellin effects on stem elongation and seed germination. Teacher exposition: Cytokinin functions in meristematic tissues. Q/A: Abscissic acid antagonistic effects. Discussion: Ethene in fruit ripening and florigen in flowering.

Dormant seeds, Germination comparison setups, Chemical solutions, Textbook
Auxin experiment diagrams, Plant cuttings, Rooting powder demonstration, Textbook
Plant hormone effect charts, Ripening fruits, Textbook
Hormone application examples, Agricultural product samples, Case study materials

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 188-189
Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 192-194

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Animal Growth Patterns and Life Cycles
Complete Metamorphosis

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To distinguish continuous from discontinuous growth in animals. To describe sigmoid growth curve phases. To explain lag, exponential, decelerating and plateau phases. To compare growth patterns in different animal groups.

Analysis of sigmoid growth curves showing four phases. Teacher exposition: Continuous growth in mammals, birds, fish. Discussion: Discontinuous growth in insects and amphibians. Q/A: Factors affecting each growth phase.

Growth curve charts, Animal development examples, Graph paper, Textbook
Insect life cycle charts, Preserved specimens if available, Drawings, Textbook

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 193-194

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Incomplete Metamorphosis
Hormonal Control of Growth in Animals
Growth Measurement Practical

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
To describe incomplete metamorphosis characteristics. To explain life cycles of cockroach and locust. To identify nymphal stages and molting process. To compare complete and incomplete metamorphosis.

Discussion: Egg to adult development through nymphal stages. Teacher exposition: Cockroach and locust life cycles. Q/A: Molting/ecdysis process and wing development. Comparison table: Complete vs incomplete metamorphosis.

Incomplete metamorphosis charts, Grasshopper specimens, Comparison tables, Textbook
Hormone control charts, Animal development diagrams, Textbook
Growing plants, Measuring rulers, Data recording sheets, Graph paper, Calculators

Certificate Biology Form 3, Pages 198-199