Most of this lesson was taught in the class room. By going through the food chain it is possible to demonstrate lots of the relationships between species, it is also a good way to end up with the concept of PERMACULTURE.
1. The food chain
A table was constructed on the board. The children participated and discussed each group of insects or animals as they were entered .
Figure 13: The relationships between various plants,
insect and animals in our food chain
2. The role of humans
Observation
The most important thing for humans to do is OBSERVE. Nature is really interesting and is almost always able to take care of its own problems particularly if we are not in any hurry to spray on harmful chemicals. A hand lens is the most important piece of equipment in pest control because it can be used to see what is going on. Are there lacewings eating the aphids?
Diversity
In order to help nature achieve the balance that it is always striving for grow lots of different plants, shrubs and trees. Within such a diverse system there will be an abundance of predators to take care of the pests.
Physical barriers and traps
As a last resort humans can use their brains to solve problems.
Two examples:
Birds - put up netting or make a hawk kit to scare the birds
Slugs and snails - build a snail trap
Figure 14: A home made slug and snail trap
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