Practical On Cleaning Agents (e.g., Local Abrasives) | Grade 5 Lesson Note On PVS – Home Economics

Lesson Note for Home Economics, Third (3rd) Term (Week 4) | NUE, NAPPS Scheme

Practical on Cleaning Agents (e.g., Local Abrasives)

Lesson Note for PVS – Home Economics (Wk 4)

LESSON NOTE ON HOME ECONOMICS

Subject: Home Economics
Class: Grade 5
Week: 4
Topic: Practical on Cleaning Agents (e.g., Local Abrasives)
Duration: 40 minutes

Instructional Materials:

Samples of local abrasives:
- Wood ash
- Eggshell (crushed)
- Fine sand
- Pawpaw leaves
- Detergent
Water
Dirty cooking utensils (e.g., pots, plates, spoons)
Bowls
Cleaning sponges

Content:

Introduction:
Cleaning agents help us remove dirt and stains from our clothes, dishes, and home. Some of these cleaning agents can be found around us — they are called local abrasives.

Examples of Local Abrasives:

Wood ash – Removes stains from pots and pans.
Eggshell (crushed) – Acts like a scrub to remove dirt.
Fine sand – Used to scrub dirty surfaces like cooking pots.
Pawpaw leaves – Have natural cleaning power and can wash plates.
Detergent – Though not local, it is commonly used in the home.

Best Practices for Mixing Local Abrasives:

Mix dry abrasives with dry ones:
- Example: Wood ash + crushed eggshell
  These can be mixed together and stored as a dry powder for scrubbing pots and pans.
Avoid mixing leafy abrasives with dry ones for storage:
- Example: Pawpaw leaves should be used fresh and separately. They are best used alone during washing because they contain natural enzymes and water.
Combine with water only when ready to use:
- Mixing dry abrasives (like wood ash + sand) with a little water just before scrubbing can improve their cleaning power.

Practical Activity:

Pupils are grouped and each group is given different cleaning agents.
Each group is given dirty utensils and water.
Pupils take turns using the different cleaning agents to scrub and clean.
Each group observes and compares which agent cleans best.

Class Fun:

Let’s play the “Clean It Best” game! Each group shows their cleanest plate or pot. The cleanest group gets a “Clean Star” badge!

Conclusion:

Today, we learned how natural materials around us can be used to clean. Local abrasives like ash, eggshells, and sand help keep our utensils clean without spending too much money.

Home Fun:

With help from an adult at home, try using wood ash or pawpaw leaves to clean a plate or spoon. Share your experience in class next week.

Reference:

Basic Science and Technology (Home Economics Section) – Grade 5 Curriculum
Teacher’s Guide on Home Management
Local knowledge from home and community elders