• Life Skills Grade 7 CBC Notes
• Pretechnical Grade 7 Notes
• Pretechnical Grade 7 Notes
• Integrated Science Curriculum Design Grade 7
• Grade 7 Maths Curriculum Design
• Grade 7 Kiswahili Curriculum Design
• Grade 8 Creative Arts Notes
• Grade 8 Creative Arts Marking Scheme
• Grade 8 Kiswahili Question Paper
• Grade 8 Kiswahili Marking Scheme
• Sports Lesson Notes For Grade 7
• Grade 7 CRE Exam QNS
• Grade 7 CRE Exam MS
• Grade 7 Social Studies Exam QNS
• Grade 7 Integrated Science Exam

GRADE 7 TERM 1

PRE-TECHNICAL STUDIES LESSON NOTES  

SAFETY

Personal safety

Observing personal safety is doing activities that will protect us from accidents or getting injured.

 

 

Potential hazards relating to personal safety

Unsafe conditions or objects that harm us or cause injuries to us are known as potential safety hazards

Examples of potential safety hazards in day to day life are

1. Fires and hot surfaces which can cause burns
2. Sharp tools like knives which can cause cuts
3. Spills on floors which can cause falls
4. Poorly disposed waste such as fruit peels which can cause falls
5. Heavy objects like rocks, stones which can roll over us or fall on us
6. Items or objects that are properly kept on high shelves which can fall on us
7. Poisonous chemicals that are not store properly can harm us if we touch or drink them.
8. Poorly arranged equipments such as desks that can cause falls
9. Exposed naked electric wires that can lead to shocks
10. Poorly ventilated rooms that can lead to suffocation

 

 

 

Demonstrating safety while performing various tasks in the locality

Examples of task that we can do in our locality include digging, splitting firewood, pruning plants, riding bicycles

Some of the safety measures to observe while forming the above different tasks include

1. Always clean spills on the floor immediately to avoid falls
2. Keep a safe distance from your friend when performing tasks such as digging
3. Ask for help when you want to get things that are out of your reach
4. Always be alert around fire. Avoid loose clothing when near fires
5. Use kitchen gloves or a piece of cloth to hold hot kitchen tools and equipment
6. Handle different tools or equipments with care
7. Wear appropriate protective clothing when performing different tasks

Eg wear gumboots while collecting and disposing waste

 

 

Handling tools and equipments safely while performing tasks

 

Tool or equipment	Safe use of the tool or equipment
Knife	Hold the handle firmly while using it Keep sharp edges away from your hands You can also use a chopping board when using it
Sewing needle	Wear a thimble Hold the thread end of the needle firmly between your fingers and push the sharp end into fabric
Wheelbarrow	Hold the handles and push it forward carefully. Ensure the wheel is moving freely
Pliers	Hold the two handles and press them together Do not touch the cutting parts while in use
Rake	Hold the handle and pull it towards you carefully
Ladder	Place it against a firm object like a wall or tree trunk and climb on its steps carefully

 

 

General safety rules and regulations for various tasks

• The various task we do at home or school can expose you and other people to safety hazards.
• You should follow general safety rules when performing these task to avoid injuries to self and others.
• The general safety rules include

1. Work in a place with proper ventilation
2. Ensure you are working in a place that has enough lighting
3. Avoid crowding in the working area
4. Ensure the working area is well arranged when working and after working
5. Use tools and equipments for their correct purpose
6. Ensure all the tools you are using are in good working conditions
7. Do not touch sharp edges of cutting tools or test their sharpness with your hand
8. Ensure that your hands are dry before touching electric plugs or electrical appliances that have been plugged in
9. Do not pull heavy materials or objects towards your body
10. If working with or near fire, always stay alert and use moderate flame
11. Store tools and equipments safely  after use

 

 

Careers related to safety

A career is a profession which one trains for, acquires the skills and applies them for a long period

These are people who help children or adults to cross busy roads

These are people who monitor a working environment and inspects buildings and machines.

They later recommend the safety precautions to be observed in the working environment

These are people who help children and adults to swim safely.

There also ensure that all people are following rules set by the swimming place.

Attends to those who face challenges while swimming

This person researches and makes a report on the safety of a particular work and the hazards that are expected.

They perform some roles similar to those of safety engineers 

They offer advice on how to minimise health and safety risks in the workplace

Importance of safety in day to day life

• It is important to observe safety when performing different tasks at home, in school or in the community
• You should always keep your working areas clean and orderly to avoid accidents, injuries and illness.
• When you are free from injuries you can work well, attend school as expected, reduce hospital bills and live healthy

 

 

 

INJURIES

An injury is damage to your body.

 

Types of injuries

Examples of common injuries include

1. Scalds
2. Fractures
3. Sprains
4. Burns
5. Cuts
6. Pricks
7. Bruises

 

 

Causes of injuries in the locality

Caused by sharp tools and equipments like knives

Can also be cause by sharp furniture corners or rough edges

Are caused by touching open flames, hot objects like sufurias

May also be caused by chemicals and electricity

Are caused by touching hot liquids like boiling water, hot tea.

May also be caused by steam from boiling foods or water

Occurs after falls or slips

May also occur when there is abnormal movement during activities or sudden change of speed during movement 

 

 

First aid procedures for cuts

You will need clean water, a bandage, cotton wool and an antiseptic or salty water

1. Wash your hands
2. Apply gentle pressure around the cut with a clean piece of cloth or cotton wool until bleeding stops
3. Clean the cut with clean water. Do not use soap
4. Once the cut is clean and is not bleeding, apply some antiseptic
5. Cover the cut with a bandage or clean piece of cloth to keep away dirt

 

 

First aid procedures for minor fractures

You will need ice cubes, a bandage or a clean piece of cloth

1. Let the injured person rest and avoid moving the injure part completely
2. Place an ice pack on the injure part to prevent swelling
3. Wrap the affected part in a soft bandage to compress it
4. Raise the injure part higher than other body parts

 

First aid procedures for burns

You will need cold water and a clean piece of cloth

1. Move away from the source of burn
2. Remove clothing or jewellery around the burnt area
3. Cool the burn under cold running water for about 5 minutes. You can also deip the part in cold water
4. Cover the burnt area with a loosely clinging clean piece of cloth

 

First aid procedures for scalds

You will need cold water, a clean piece of cloth or bandage

1. Remove clothing or jewellery where the injury has occurred
2. Place the injured area under cold water for about 20 minutes
3. Do not pop the blister or blisters if they form
4. Cover the scalded area with a loosely clinging clean piece of cloth or gauze

 

 

Safety measures that minimise injuries in the locality

 

Injury	Way of preventing it
Cut	Avoid holding sharp edges of cutting tool Use a chopping board when using cutting tools such as knives Pass cutting tools from one person to another using their handles Keep sharp tools out of reach of children
Burns	Do not touch hot surfaces with bare hands Use moderate flame when cooking Use kitchen gloves when holding hot kitchen equipments and surfaces Switch off or put out equipments such as iron boxes after use
Scalds	Avoid carrying hot liquids close to your body When cooking food, take care not to get burnt with the hot steam. You    should open the lids from cooking food carefully
Minor fractures	Walk carefully especially when in places that have obstacles such as stones Avoid walking on wet floors Dispose waste such as banana peels properly to avoid falls Wear fitting and comfortable shoes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Careers related to first aid and management of injuries

• Fist aid is important because it helps to save lives and reduce pain.
• It also makes the affected people feel cared for.
• The following are common careers related to first aid and management of injuries

1. Emergency repose nurses
2. Paramedics
3. Ambulance drivers
4. Fire fighters
5. Flight attendants
6. Professional baby sitters
7. Lifeguards
8. Games instructors
9. Gym instructors
10.   

 

 

Importance of observing safety

1. Prevent unnecessary injuries or even death
2. Avoid lost time
3. Increase productivity
4.   
5.    
6.  

Pupil’s activity

Page 21-22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATERIALS

Any useful substance is called a material

 

COMMON MATERIALS

1. Timber
2. Sand 
3. Stones
4.    
5.   

 

Identifying common materials in the locality

Different localities have different common materials

Examples of common materials are 

1. metals
2. Soil
3. Reeds
4. Sisal fibres
5. Hides and skins
6. Trees
7. Diatomite 
8. Soapstone
9. Soda ash
10. Fluorspar

 

 

Categorising common materials in the locality as either metallic or non metallic

 Pupil’s activity

Page 24-25

 

Metallic	Non metallic
Iron	Soil
Copper	Trees
	Reeds
	Stones
	Sand
	Sisal fibres
	rubber

 

 

Distinguishing between metallic and non metallic materials

Items made of metallic materials	Items made of non metallic materials
Bottle tops	A grass broom
A piece of iron sheet	Floor tiles
Coins	An exercise tiles
A blade of a jembe	A school sweater
Pins	An eraser
A door hinge	A plastic plate
A piece of wire mesh	A drinking glass
A key	A cooking stick

Physical properties of materials found in the locality

Physical property	Metal	Non metals
Colour	Can be grey, silver, reddish brown or golden	Have a wide range of colours
Texture	May be rough or smooth	May be rough or smooth
Hardness	Most are strong and cannot break easily	Most are fragile and brittle
Shape	Can be formed into various shapes	Can be formed into various shapes
Fire resistance	Most are fire resistant and cannot burn easily	Most burn easily

 

 

Careers related to materials in the locality

1. carpentry
2. carving
3. masonry
4. welding   
5. pottery 
6. weaving
7. blacksmith
8. farming 
9. mining
10.   

 

 

Importance of materials found in the locality

1. create job/employment opportunities
2. improves the standard of people living in the locality
3.   
4.   
5.    
6.     
7.   
8.  

 

 

METALS

• Metals occur naturally within the earth’s surface
• They are mined and converted into forms that are easy to use
• Metals are used to make various items we use in our day to day life

 

 

Different types of metals in the locality

• Some metals exist in pure form or as alloys
• An alloy is a combination of a metal with another metal or metal with a non metal
• Examples of pure metal 

1. Aluminium
2. Iron
3. Zinc
4. Silver
5. Copper
6. Lead
7. Magnesium
8. Tin 
9. Gold

 

• Examples of alloys

1. Steel
2. Brass
3. Bronze

• Metals can be identified easily by their surface appearance

Type of metal	Description
Copper	Shiny reddish- brown surface May turn green if exposed to moisture
Brass	Yellow coloured with a slightly dull surfaces It is an alloy of copper and zinc
Aluminium	Has a shiny silvery surface It is very light and flexible
Iron	It is dull grey in colour It rusts when exposed to moisture
Stainless steel	It has a shiny silvery colour
Zinc	It is dull grey in colour It develops a light grey coat which may peel off after some time
Gold	It is shinny orange yellow in colour

 

 

Physical properties of metals

• Identification of a metal by its physical appearance is not a sure way of knowing the exact type of metal
• There are some other physical properties that we need to consider to correctly identify the metals
• Metals can further be identified as

1. Ferrous and non ferrous
2. Magnetic and non magnetic
3. Conductors and non conductors of heat
4.  Conductors and non conductors of electricity

 

 

Ferrous and non ferrous

Ferrous metals are metals that contain iron in its original form or alloys or iron

Non ferrous metal are metals that contain iron

Ferrous metals	Non ferrous metals
Iron	Aluminium, copper, zinc, cobalt, tin, lead, silver, bronze, brass, mercury
steel

 

 

 

Magnetic and non magnetic

Magnetic metals are metals that are attract by magnet if it is brought near.

Non magnetic metals are not attracted by a magnet

Magnetic metals	Non magnetic metals
Iron, tin, nickel, cobalt, chromium, tungsten, alinco	Silver, copper, aluminium, bass, magnesium, lead, zinc, titanium

 

 

 

Conductors of heat in metals

1. Copper
2. Aluminium
3. Graphite
4. Silver
5. Gold 
6. Steel spoon

 

 

Conduction of electricity

1.  Zinc strip
2.   Silver strip
3.   
4.   
5.  

 

 

NB

Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity although some metals may be better conductors than others.

 

 

Uses of metals in the locality

METAL	USES
Gold	It is used to make jewellery It is used to make valuable medals and trophies
Silver	It is used to make mirrors since it reflects a lot of light Used to make jewellery It is used to make utensils commonly referred to as silverware It is used to make solar panels and screens of some electronic gadgets
Zinc	It is used to coat surfaces of other metals to protect them from corrosion It is used to make roofing sheets.
Lead	Used to make car batteries Used to make paints Used to make pipes used to carry corrosive materials
Steel	Used to make rails and bridges Used to make rods and beams for building houses and other structures Used to make household utensils like sufurias, pans, and cutlery
Aluminium	Used to make kitchen utensils such as sufurias, pans and spoons Used to make foils and cans for packaging food and medicine Used to make window frames
Copper	Used to make electrical wires Used to make water pipes, taps and sinks
Iron	It is used to make utensils like pans, sufurias and house hold appliances like iron boxes It is used to make machineries and farm tools Used to make building materials like iron sheets and window frames
Brass	It is used to make plumbing valves, doors hinges, door knobs and door locks Used to make dental braces It is used to make gears and bearings that are found in locomotives

 

 

 

Careers related to uses of metals

Career	Description
Mining	Miners blast or break rocks or the ground in order to obtain metals
Moulding	Moulders shapes metals obtained from the ground into mould or blocks
Metal cutting	This career involves cutting moulds of metal into a variety of desired shapes
Blacksmithing	Blacksmiths make objects from iron and other metals by hitting or blending them using a hammer
Welding	Welders use heat to create or repair metallic products
Metal polishing	Metal polisher use metal smoothing equipment and machines to enhance the appearance and smoothness of surface of metals
fabrication	Fabricators design and make products out of metals

 

 

Importance of metals

• Metals are important in the locality in many ways

1. People purse careers related to metals, they earn a living
2. It helps people improve their living standards
3. Metals are important in making most items such as kitchen and farming tools which will be used to perform different tasks within the households.
4. Can earn the government foreign exchange if imported to other countries
5.  

 

 

Non metallic materials

Are any materials both synthetic and natural which do not contain metal

 

Distinguishing between synthetic and natural non metallic materials

• Natural materials are those that exists on their own in or the earth without any actions of humankind.
• They may be part of the earth material or from plants and animals.
• Synthetic materials are those that are created by human beings through different process.

Material	Description
	Natural	Synthetic
Stone
Tiles
Timber
Sand
Plastic jerry cans
Glass    panes
Sisal ropes
Reeds
Rubber

Natural non metallic materials include soil, timber, reeds, rubber, stones, hides and skins, plant fibres like banana fibres, sisal fibres, cotton and linen

 

 

 

Categorising non metallic materials in the locality as either natural or synthetic

 

Pupil’s activity

Page 43-44

 

 

Physical properties of non metallic materials

Physical property	Explanation
Hardness	Most non metallic can easily bend, break or crumble when pressure is applied on them.
Colour	Non metallic materials have a wide range of colours
Conduction of heat	Non metallic materials are poor conductors of heat
Conduction of electricity	Non metallic materials do not conduct electricity

 

 

Uses of non metallic materials in the locality

Cloths re then made into different types of garments that we wear.

1. Rubber is used to make Items such as tyres, erasers and footwear
2. Timber or wood is used to make furniture, doors, floors, ceilings and walls of some houses. Wood is used as fuel in most homes.
3. Different types of soil have different uses

Sand soil is mixed with ballast, cement and water to make concrete for constructon.

Loam soil is used for farming

Clay soil is used in pottery and brick making.

Grasses are also used as roofing materials

1. Hides and skins are used to make shoes, belts and bags
2. Glass is used to make window panes and household items like furniture and utensils.

It is also used in making laboratory equipments such as test tubes.

1. Plastic is used to make items such as utensils, cutlery, footwear, buckets, basins
2. Minerals such as soda ash are used to manufacture soap, paper and glass.

 

 

Careers related to processing and use of non metallic materials

Rope makers harvest sisal fibres, dry and use them to make ropes

Builders use timber, grass, clay and other materials to construct houses.

Brick makers make bricks from clay soil.

Loggers are authorised to cut trees selectively from a given area to get logs.

Saw millers cut the logs into timber or shapes them into boards.

Carpenters use timber and boards to make furniture and other useful items.

Potters make pots and other earthen items.

Some potters may also use of cement or concrete to make flower pots and flower vases

Weavers make baskets, mats brooms, and other items from grasses and reeds

Plastic straws can also be made in weaving

Crop farmers cultivate the soil using hand tools or farm machinery and plants crops into it

This is a career where people are involved in making objects out of glass

Shoe makers make shoes from non metallic materials like leather, rubber and plastic

 

 

 

Identifying common problems in the community

 

Pupil’s activity

Page 50-51   

 

 

Effects of common Problems affecting the community

 

Pupil’s activity

Page 52-5

 

Problems faced in the community	Causes of the problem	Effects of the problem to the community	Can the problem be solved
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

 

 

 

Skills need to solve problems in the community

• Some of the problems can be solved by learners, intervention of adults, experts or the government
•  When solving these problems, we apply some of the technical skills that we have  learnt.
• We can also involve other members of the community who have the skills and experience
• Example of technical skills  are

1. Masonry skills  

Are applied where structures such as houses, water pans and animal housing need to be constructed

Are applied when joining pieces of wood to make desired items

Are applied where items or structures need to be sketched or drawn before they are made

Are applied when carrying out activities such as digging, planting, weeding and when using farming tools and equipments

Are applied when joining and mending pieces of fabric to make desired items

Are applied when joining materials to make desired items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOOLS

HOSEHOLD HAND TOOLS 

A TOOL is any instrument held in the hand and used to do work.

A hand tool is any tool that is powered by hand in order to perform an activity

 

 

Identifying household hand tools

1. Scissors
2. Tape measure
3. Hammer
4. Knife
5. Chisel
6. Spade
7. Mallet
8. Pliers
9. Rake
10. Axe

 

 

Categorising household tools according to their use

Cutting tools	Layout and Measuring tools	Assembling tools	Sharpening tools	Holding and tightening tools
Panga	Tape measure	Hammer	File	Pliers
Chisel	Ruler	Screw driver		Spanner
Paper cutter		Mallet		G-clamp
Axe				Pipe wrench
Hand saw				Screw diver
Knife

 

 

Using household hand tools to perform different tasks

Can be use to cut grass

1. Hold the pang firmly by the handle with one hand
2. Hold the grass with the other  hand
3. Maintain a safe distance between the panga and the hand holding the grass
4. Lift the panga and cut the grass

 

1. TAPE MEASURE
2. Put the piece of timber on a fat surface
3. Carefully put the hook of the tape measure at the edge of the timber
4. Ask your friend to hold the end of the tape measure. Pull back the tape measure across the timber to let more tape out
5. Let out the tape until it stretches across the whole length  of the timber
6. Look at the point where the tape align with the end of the timber
7. Read the measurement in centimetres and record in your notebook
8. Carefully let the tape measure to roll back into the casing
9. Store  the tape measure carefully
10. HAMMER
11. Wear protective  eye googles
12. Ensure there is no one behind you to avoid injuries
13. Grip the hammer by the end of the handle
14. Line the nail and the piece of wood that you want to hammer
15. Hold the nail on the surface of the wood and gently tap the nail with the hammer until it holds in place
16. Once the nail is in place, increase the hammering force to drive the rest of the nail into the wood.
17. Remove your hand and hit the nail completely  inside the wood
18. Store your hammer safely after use

 

 

Care and maintenance of household hand tools

1. Clean the tools after use
2. Replace broken handles if any
3. Sharpen blades of cutting tools
4. Tighten loose screws and nuts of tools like saws
5. Oil moving parts of tools like pliers
6. Straighten bents and teeth of saws
7. Store tools safely  in a clean dry place after use

You can hang saws on a hook

 

 

Careers related to household hand tools

1. Masonry
2. Plumbing
3. Mechanics
4. Electrical installations
5. Building and constructions
6.   

 

 

The role of household hand tools in the community

1. Perform tasks easily as they improve efficiency
2. Save on time required to perform different tasks
3. Do simple repairs at home

This helps us to save money that would be required to pay experts to perform the repairs

1.   
2.   

Farming hand tools

Farming hand tools are tools that are powered by hand and used to perform different tasks

 

Identifying farming hand tools

1. Slasher
2. Panga
3. Rake
4. Jembe
5. Pruning shears
6. Garden fork
7. Sickle 
8. Garden trowel
9. Axe
10. Fork jembe

 

 

Categorising farming hand tools according to their uses

Cutting and clearing tools	Digging and cultivating  tools	Harvesting tools	Pruning tools	Scooping and lifting  tools
Slasher	Jembe	Panga	Secateurs	Spade
Panga	Fork jembe	Knife	Pruning shears	Garden trowel
Axe	Garden fork	Sickle	Pruning saw	Shovel
	Spade	Jembe
		Fork jembe

 

 

Using farming hand tools to perform different tasks

Farming hand tool	How to use it
Jembe	Digging Hold the handle with both hands. One hand should be on the lower part of the handle Raise the jembe and bring it down onto the soil maintain a safe distance between the blade of the jembe and jour feet dig the required area
Grass slasher	Clearing grass or weeds ensure that nobody is close to you hold the wooden handle firmly maintain a safe distance between your body and the slasher swing the slasher to cut the grass or other weeds
Panga	Cutting grass or shrubs hold the panga firmly by the handle with one hand hold the grass with the other hand and put it on the cutting board maintain safe distance between the panga and the hand holding the grass lift the panga and cut the grass
Spade	Scooping the soil or manure hold the handle of the spade with one hand the other hand should hold the middle part of the handle maintain safe distance between the spade and your feet scoop the soil or manure

 

 

Care and maintenance of farming hand tools

We maintain and care for farming tools so that they serve as for a long time

We can care for farming hand tools by:

1. cleaning them after use
2. oiling the metallic parts of tools such as pangas to prevent rusting
3. sharpening the cutting adges
4. replacing broken handles
5. oiling the moving parts of tools such as secateurs to reduce friction
6. storing the tools safely after use

 

 

Careers related to farming hand tools

This is a common career in our country because agriculture is the backbone of our economy.

In crop farming, we use jembes, ploughs

Gardeners use different hand tools when planting weeding

Landscapers use farming hand tools to perform tasks such as     

1. Weeding and mulching landscape beds
2. Trimming small trees, hedges and shrubs
3. Planting shrubs, flowers and trees
4. Removing unwanted, dead or damaged trees
5. Welding and blacksmithing

Welders and blacksmiths take part in making and repairing metallic parts of farming hand tools

Carpenters make items using board and timber.

They also replace wooden handles of farming hand tools

Sugarcane cutters use pangas and machetes to harvest sugarcanes from farms

People who erect and repair fences use tools such as pliers, jembes, shovels and hammers in their work.

Livestock farmers use pangas for chopping napier grass for their livestock

 

 

Importance of farming tools

• Farming hand tools helps us in performing different tasks in the frm.
• This helps to improve efficiency with then results to productivity

Farming hand tool	Importance
Slasher	Helps in clearing long grass and small bushes around the compound The compound remains neat and free from mosquitoes and rodents
Pruning shear	Helps in trimming fences, hedges and shrubs Well trimmed fences are neat and beautiful
Plough	Helps in cultivating land This makes it easy to sow seeds or plant cutting
Spade	It makes it easier to scoop soil This helps to save on time and energy
Jembe	It helps to dig and remove weeds from crop fields Crops that are free from weeds give healthy produce

DRAWING

TYPES OF DRAWINGS

Drawing are types of diagrams used for communication to show the shape and structure of a given idea or product.

Technical fields use drawings to draw designs of different items before they are made

 

 

Types of drawing used in technical fields

Drawing involves making marks on a surface to create images of forms and shapes.

They give a 3D view of an object.

They give information about how an object functions or how it is constructed.

 

 

Distinguishing artistic and technical drawings

Artistic and technical drawing can be distinguished using the characteristics like

Technical drawing provide accurate information about an object to allow easy manufacturing or repair

Artistic drawing are done to express one’s idea while beautifying the appearance of an object, a surface or a place

Technical drawings are drawn on surface such as tracing paper, ammonia print or computer screens and are usually in standard sizes.

Artistic drawings can be drawn on paper, boards, walls canvas or fabric. These drawings do not have standard size

Technical drawing must be drawn to scale such that they are interpreted uniformly regardless of the geographical boundaries.

The interpretation of artistic drawings depends on the viewer

Technical drawing have to be drawn to scale for the accurate production and maintenance of the product

Artistic drawing show the general appearance of the product hence do not consider dimensions, shape or proportion

 

 

Uses of artistic and technical drawing in different fields

Uses of artistic drawings

1. They are used to understand how the object or building will appear when in real life
2. They help to keep records of historical events
3. They are used to express imagination and creativity
4. They represent feelings, actions and ideas
5. They help us to develop observation and interpretative skills in order to understand the world

 

 

 

Uses of technical drawing

1. They bridge communication between designers and producers
2. They guide people in careers such as engineering when constructing and repairing different structures

Eg. An engineer relies on technical drawings to make some parts of machines

 

 

Applications of drawings in various careers

People in careers that use both artistic and technical drawings include

They use artistic drawings to show the outward appearance of the building and how the building will be intergraded with other items within its locality

They also use technical drawings to show the actual measurements and location of features such as windows and doors within the design

They use artistic drawings to create the finishing designs of the floor, roofs and walls.

They also use technical drawing to determine the location of doors, windows and other fixtures within the building

1. Electricians
2. They use technical drawing to identify the position of electrical ducts within a building wiring, installation or repair

They also use artistic drawings to determine the neatness and finish requires after installation or repair of electrical systems

They use artistic drawings when visualising the style, colour and other suitable to use

They also use technical drawings to determine the placement of different furnishing within a room or a building

They use artistic drawings to identify how to finish an area after installation of drainage pipes and other fixtures in the buildings

They use technical drawings to identify access points to areas having blockages or repairing repairs within the drainage points of a building

They use artistic drawings to identify how different shapes, colours, images and writing will appear on a given object. 

They use technical drawings to determine the size, material and shape of the product when viewed from different positions such as top, bottom and sides

 

Importance of drawing in day to day life

• Some of the objects created from drawing are vehicles, roads, houses, furniture and electronics
• Drawing helps us to learn to write and think creatively, develop hand to eye coordination  and conceptualise ideas

 

 

Drawing instruments and equipments

• Drawing can be done using a variety of instruments and equipments.
• These instruments and equipments helps us to make neat and accurate drawings

 

Drawing instruments and equipments used in technical drawing

1. Pencils
2. Tee squares
3. Drawing boards
4. Drawing pens
5. Rulers
6. Sharpeners
7. Drawing templates
8. Erasers
9. Pair of compass

 

 

Uses of drawing instruments and equipments

Drawing instrument or equipment	USE
Pencils	Used to make initial sketches
Erasers	Used to eliminate mistakes made while drawing
Pens	Used to outline the final work
Templates	Help to draw repeated letters, numbers and shapes accurately
Drawing board	Used as a support surfaces to hold the paper when drawing
Sharpeners	Used to make tips of pencils sharp
Rulers	Used for measuring and marking accurate measurements
Compasses

 

 

Drawing lines and shapes using drawing instruments

Name of the line	Image of the line	How the line is used in technical drawing
Construction line		A faint line used for sketching and drawing the initial details of a drawing
Centre line
Hidden line	- - - - - - -- -- - ----- ----------
Phantom line
Break line
Drawing line
Break line
Dimension line
Leader line
Cutting line

 

Care and maintenance of drawing instruments and equipments

1. Clean them well after use
2. Avoid dropping the instruments or equipments. This prevents them from cracking and breaking
3. Sharpen pencils when necessary. Do not press the pencil lead on a hard surface when sharpening
4. Use each instrument or equipment for its intended purpose 

Eg measuring tools should be used for measuring

NB

Drawing instruments and equipments are cared for and maintained well in order for them to work well and make neat and accurate drawings.

 

 

Uses of drawing instruments and equipments in various careers

Use different drawing instruments to design good buildings

Use drawing instruments and skills to help people plan and decorate the spaces they live in

Use drawing instruments to come up with creative ideas on how different outfits should be made.

Most of the clothes we wear were design by somebody 

Fashion designers work closely with tailors

Use drawing instruments to draw designs of clothes before they are made

Draw pictures both in hard copies and in digital form

Most of the pictures in textbooks were drawn by illustrators

Draw furniture before making them

 

 

Freehand sketching

Free hand sketching is drawing without the use of measuring instruments

 

How to sketch lines freehand

• Different types of lines are used in freehand sketching
• The measurement, direction  and thickness of the lines can be varied to enhance the mood and character portrayed in the drawings

Type of line
Horizontal
Vertical
Diagonal
Parallel
Perdendicular
Thick and thin
Curved
Zigzag
Wavy
Spiral
Varied
Dotted	................................................

 

 

How to sketch two dimensional shapes using freehand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRADE 7 TERM 1

LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION LESSON NOTES  

 

PERSONAL MANAGEMENT SKILLS

SELF AWARENESS

SELF AWARENESS means having an accurate understanding of ourselves. 

That includes knowing our strengths, weakness, values, emotions and hopes and how they influence our behaviour in different circumstances.

 

 

Describing self in relation to the five dimensions of a human being

• Every person should understand themselves 

1. Physically
2. Socially
3. Psychologically
4. Spiritually
5. Economically

• Those who are self aware can objectively evaluate themselves, manage their emotions, align their behaviour with their values and understand how others perceive them.
• The physical qualities are the things we can see in someone. These include their height, weight, skin colour and any other feature that can be seen in someone.
• Physical awareness also means that one understands the different gender roles and expectation. For example both boys and girls should be aware of the different changes that takes place in their bodies as they grow and develop
• A person who is physically self aware understands that no physical feature makes someone lesser human beings. They take pride in how they appear and do not wait for validation from other people
• Being socially aware means that one understands how they react to different social situations and effectively modify their interactions with other people so that they achieve the best results.
• Psychotically awareness refers to one’s preparedness to tackle the challenges that they face in their daily life. A person who is psychologically aware always gives themselves positive affirmation before they confront their challenges.
• Spiritual awareness means one being aligned with the values they hold dear. It also means working towards finding one’s higher purpose. Spiritual awareness enables one to understand the religious beliefs and values that align with their purpose
• Economic awareness means one understanding, accepting and seeking to improve their social status in the community. One who is economically aware understands that different people are at different stages in life and everybody else is always eeking to climb a step higher in the social ladder.

 

 

 

 

 

Identifying personal talents and abilities

• Everyone is good at something.  People are good at different activities and skills because they have different strengths.
• A talent is an inborn ability within a person which makes them excel in a certain activity without actually learning or acquiring it.
• Talents require recognition so that they can be shaped to the benefit of their owners.
• People have used their talents to develop themselves as well as make an impact in their communities
• An ability is someone capacity to do something. It is always acquired through constant practise or training. It is something anyone can have.
• Making use of our talents and abilities to make a positive impact in the society makes us happy. It is important we can say we are at our best

 

 

Pupil’s activity

Page 4-7

 

 

Dealing with contemporary challenges for self improvement

• Contemporary challenges are challenges we face in the present day.
• Dome of them are emerging while others have persisted for a while.
• Examples of modern day challenges include

• Internet and online addiction
• Cyber bullying
• Addiction to betting
• Drug abuse
• Peer pressure
•  Unhealthy eating habits 

• If not handled properly, these challenges can affect the normal growth and development of an individual
• A person who is self aware will not subject themselves to situations that may be a threat to their normal well being.
• They also tend to know how to handle the challenges whenever they find themselves in such situations

 

 

Self esteem

Self esteem refers to how we feel about ourselves and our abilities

 

High and low self esteem

• When we create a good picture of ourselves, for example by being responsible for our actions, we feel good about ourselves. This raises our self esteem
• Having a high self esteem means generally holding yourself in positive regard. It means one’s positive thoughts about themselves outweigh any of negativity.
• When we create a bad picture of ourselves, for example by not holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We lower our self esteem.
• Low self esteem is the feeling of not being satisfied with one self. People with low self esteem view themselves in a more negative and critical light.

This can affect individual mental well being.

 

Characteristics of a person with high self esteem	Characteristics of a person with low self esteem
Believes in own capacities to solve problems to adjust to failures and ask for assistance	Dwells on self criticism
Is able to make choices, trust own judgement and not feel guilty about own choices if someone else does not agree with them	Is easily offended when they get criticism from others
Is not afraid of expressing own opinion in a calm, respectful manner	Suffers from chronic indecision due to fear of making mistakes
Is comfortable with change	Has excessive will to please others
Does not compare themselves to anyone	Is hostile and irritable
Enjoys healthy relationships	Experiences feelings of insignificance
	Has general negativity about life

 

Having a high self esteem is important because it enables one to

1. Be themselves and stay in line with their purpose, goals, values and visions in life.
2. Have the ability to express and be able to defend their actions and stand by their principles
3. Appreciate different opinions leading to positive relations with people
4. Be able to face their challenges and overcome them

 

Effects of low esteem include

1. It leads to individuals having negative feelings
2. One can indulge in drug abuse
3. One can develop trouble perceiving and relating to situations and people
4. It results in constant fear and guilt which can affect an individual advancement in life hence not being able to realise their full potential

 

 

Factors that influence self esteem

Having a self esteem is important for our mental health and well being.

Self esteem can be influenced by

1. Parents and family
2. Friends and peers
3. Education
4. Childhood
5. Age
6. Media
7. One’s own perception or belief about themselves

 

One can enhance their self esteem by 

1. Having positive thought about themselves
2. Identifying and challenging their negative beliefs
3. Building good relations or friendship
4. Taking on challenges, accepting what is not perfect and being ready to learn new things
5. Practising self care
6. Making room for healthy
7. Becoming mindful of your thoughts and actions
8. Taking actions based on needs rather than wants
9. Identifying their accomplishments and celebrating themselves

 

 

Managing emotions

Emotions are personal human feelings that control our moods.

They are the driving forces behind our behaviour

 

Types of emotions in different situations

Emotions can be positive or negative

• When experience positive emotions during our happy or high moments
• When we feel low or angry, we experience negative emotions
• People who accept positive emotions  are more likely to cope with stress, are optimistic and are always ready to listen and help others
• Those who embrace negative emotions are always unhappy, depressed, gloomy and do not want to talk to other people
• The different types of emotions include

1. Happiness
2. Sadness
3. Anger
4. Joy
5. Surprise
6. Boredom
7. Fear 
8. Excitement
9. Relief
10. Awkwardness

 

 

Managing emotions positively under different circumstances

• Emotional situations are basic parts of life. Sometimes we struggle with how to deal with them effectively.
• It can be tempting to act on what you feel right away, but that does not fix the situations caused the emotions. More often than not, it leads to more problems
• During an emotional moment, one should

1. Pause, sit down, take a deep breath and ask themselves what happened before they started feeling emotional
2. Identify and state why they are feeling that way
3. Acknowledge the emotion and make sense of what they are feeling and understand that it is normal to feel that way
4. Allow themselves to feel that particular emotion
5. Evaluate critically how they should react. Their reactions should not worsen the already bad situation.

• Emotions can also be handled by diverting one’s attention to things that are exciting or things that actually matter. One can play games or engage in their hobbies as a way of managing different emotions
• Emotions should never be suppressed.

Suppressing emotions means actively pushing uncomfortable thoughts, feelings or memories out of one’s consciousness simply because you do not know how to handle them.

Suppressing emotions can cause different health conditions like depression, high blood pressure, low energy and heart diseases

 

 

The effects of negative emotions on self and others

Negative or poorly managed emotions can lead to

1. Someone feeling miserable and sad
2. Someone disliking self and others
3. Lack of confidence and self esteem
4. Conflicts among friends and family members
5. Gradual loss of sensible thinking and judgement
6. Delay in progress in different aspects of life
7. Lifestyle diseases for example depression

Negative emotions hold us back and delay our progress

 

 

Managing stress

Stress can be defined as state of emotional tension resulting from unfortunate or demanding circumstances, some of which we do not have any control

• It is also being overwhelmed with or being unable to cope with emotional or mental pressure
• A person who is stressed has the following characteristics

1.  Frequent headaches
2. Exhaustions or trouble sleeping
3. Is easily annoyed
4. Depression
5. Becoming less social, lovely and sad

 

 

The common sources of stress

1. Problems with friends, siblings or parents
2. Financial problems in the family
3. Negative thoughts or feelings about oneself
4. Bullying
5.   

Stress can be managed. Its effects can be positive or negative depending on how it has ben managed.

 

 

 

 

Effects of stress in day to day lives

1. Withdrawal from others
2. Anger and violence
3. Anxiety
4. School drop outs
5. Mental breakdown
6. Poor decision making
7. Depression and lack of motivation
8. Lack of sleep

 

 

Managing stressful situations

• The activities we choose to engage in can influence how we control our moods.
• Stressful situations can be positively dealt with by simply concentrating on the things that boost our mood and make us feel appreciated
• During stressful situations, you can 

1. Read interesting stories
2. Organise your room
3.  Do relaxation exercises
4. Play with your favourite pet
5. Listen and dance to your favourite tunes
6. Ask for help from friends, family members or teachers
7. Make a gratitude list(a list of what you are grateful or proud of achieving)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING

A community refers to people living in the same area or people who have common interest

The following are some of the characteristics of people in a community

1. They live in the same geographical area
2. They share  common goals, challenges and aspirations
3. They have similar interest or social network

 

 

Community service is work performed by a group for the benefit or betterment of their community without expecting any form of compensation

• Examples of place where people can offer community services include

1. Community library
2. Hospitals
3. Market place
4. Children’s home
5. Homes for the elderly

 

Nature of the service	Example of community services
Collecting things for your community	Collecting books and donating them to a local library Collecting garbage and sorting it into that which can be recycled and that which can be decomposed
Doing things for your community	One can donate blood Engaging in tree planting sessions Conducting a funds drive to help buy essential materials Taking part in organising marathons t fundraise for charitable courses
Volunteering for things in your community	One can volunteer to clean utensils or clothes at an orphanage One can also volunteer to help set up a community event

 

We do community services because

1. It keeps one in regular contact with others and help them develop a solid support system which turns protect them against stress and depression.
2. It challenges one to do difficult tasks and learn positive qualities such as patience, empathy and accountability
3. It helps one learn new skills such s first aid skills, landscaping skills, leadership skills and problem solving skills among others in the community
4. It offers one an opportunity to help those in need hence gain self fulfilment
5.  

 

 

 

 

 

Community service learning |(CSL) refers to a combination of classroom learning and community learning service.

• It give learners an opportunity to work with the community members to solve local problems
• It also offers learners an opportunity to connect classroom learning with real life experiences in their school community and the neighbourhood.
• This is done through curricular and co-curricular programmes and projects
• The focus of CSL is not only learning but also service to the community an the beneficiary is not only the learner but also the community served
• The major goal of CSL is to educate learners about their roles as engaged citizens and leaders in the community

 

Examples of CSL activities include

Nature of the CSL	Examples of activities
Doing things for your community	Help put up gabions to prevent erosion Identify areas where tress can be planted
Teaching things to your community	Give presentations on different topics like drug and substances abuse and road safety, among others Teach first aid skills( after getting certified)
Hosting things in your community	Host a study group Host a river clean up
Making things for your community	Make ramadhan or Eid cards for your local mosque Make birthday cards for kids in an orphanage

 

 

Steps involved in carrying out CSL project

A project is a series of tasks that need to be completed to reach a specific outcome

A community services learning project can therefore be defined as a series of learning and services tasks are aimed to meet an identified need or solve an identified problem in the community

 

To plan and carry out a CSL activity, one must follow these steps

1. Identification of the problem in the community
2. This done through discussions with different people conducting surveys and reading or watching news on community needs.
3. Doing all these will help you identify a need or a gap that needs to be solved.
4. A gap or problem is the difference between where we are and where we want to be.
5. Learners intending to do a CSL activity brainstorm and discuss to come up with one problem for the project of activity

 

During this stage, listen to as many suggestions on the solutions as possible.

Narrow down to the most cost effective but efficient solution to the problem

 

In this stage think about the possible steps, resources, the learning skills required, shared responsibilities and the time it will take to complete the project

• When planning one should ask themselves questions like

1. What will we accomplish?
2. How long will the project take?
3. Who will we work with?
4. How can we engage people of different talents, abilities and perspectives?
5. What training sensitivity is required for us or our patrons to accomplish the goals?
6. What needs to be accomplish our goals?
7. Who will do want?
8. What resources do we need to be successful and how will we get them?

 

1. Implementation of the solution

• This is the stage where you set out offer a solution to the problem or implement your plan
• Action is taken by volunteering, serving or being an advocate for something.
• As you take the action it is important to document the actions through pictures , videos, reports, journals or any other form

 

1. Reporting and reflecting
2. This is an ongoing process and it happens before writing and after the action stage.
3. The different means of reflection include writing journals, discussions, songs, skirts, diagrams, reports, taking pictures or videos and so on
4. Reflecting helps one to examine what they learnt and analyse whether the projects made a difference.
5. One also gets to examine how they feel about volunteering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP SKILLS

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS