Class: Primary 4
Term: 2nd Term
Subject: Pre-Vocational Studies
Curriculum Theme: agricultural Science
Previous Lesson:
Topic: Meaning of Soil
Content/learning Area: Meaning of Soil
Time Allocation: 40 minutes

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Cognitive Domain: Explain the meaning of soil.
• Affective Domain: Appreciate the importance of soil in supporting plant life.
• Psychomotor Domain: Identify diffrent types of soil samples in their surroundings.
• Social Domain: Work in groups to discuss the uses of soil.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 9–Years Basic Education Curriculum Abuja.
• Educational Resource Center Scheme of Work.
• NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work.
• Online Facts from: Wikipedia – Soil
• Relevant Textbooks.

Instructional Materials

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will employ the help of the following materials:

• Samples of soil (clay, sand, and loam).
• Charts showing soil profiles.
• A potted plant.
• A shovel or hand trowel.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding the meaning of soil helps pupils appreciate its significance in supporting plant growth,contributing to agriculture,and sustaining life on Earth.

prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are familiar with the ground they walk on and have observed plants growing in soil.

Lesson Content

Meaning of Soil

Soil is the upper layer of the earth where plants grow. It is made up of minerals, organic matter, water, and air. soil types include clay, sandy, and loamy soil.

Characteristics of Soil

Soil has several defining characteristics that determine its quality and suitability for plant growth. These include:

The following are some characteristics of soil:

1. Color: Soil can have different colors such as black, brown, red, or yellow, depending on its composition.
2. texture: Soil can feel sandy, sticky (clay), or soft (loam) when touched.
3. Moisture: Soil can hold water,which is essential for plant growth.
4. Porosity: Soil has tiny spaces (pores) that allow air and water to pass through.
5. Fertility: Soil contains nutrients that help plants grow, tho fertility varies by soil type.
6. Structure: Soil particles can be arranged in different ways, affecting water and air movement.
7. pH Level: Soil can be acidic, neutral, or alkaline, influencing nutrient availability for plants.

Teaching Methods

To deliver this lesson,‌ ⁤the teacher will⁤ adopt⁤ the following methods: Interactive Discussion, Direct Instruction, Visual Aids, Presentation, Hands-on Activity, Collaborative Learning, Guided Writing, Question and Answer, Problem-solving, Summary.

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to describe what they observe on the ground when they play outside.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their observations.

Step 2: Explanation of Soil

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Direct Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines soil and shows samples of different soil types.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and observe the samples.

Step 3: Group Activity

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Hands-on Activity
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into groups and gives each group a soil sample to examine.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils explore the soil and identify its texture.

Step 4: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher dictates the lesson content for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy notes into their exercise books.

Step 5: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Question and Answer
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks questions based on the topic.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer the questions.

Step 6: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summary
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson and emphasizes key points.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively.

Lesson Keywords

• Soil – The upper layer of the earth in which plants grow.
• Texture – The feel of the soil, such as sandy, clayey, or loamy.
• Minerals – Inorganic substances found in soil.
• Organic Matter – Decomposed plant and animal material in soil.
• Nutrients – substances in soil that support plant growth.

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

1. Define soil.
2. Mention the four components of soil.
3. List three types of soil.
4. Explain why soil is critically important for plants.
5. Identify one activity that depends on soil.

Assignment/homework

1. Collect different types of soil samples from your environment.
2. Describe the texture and color of each soil sample.
3. Explain how soil helps plants to grow.

Differentiation

• For slower learners: Provide simplified explanations and hands-on activities with direct guidance.
• For advanced learners: Encourage them to research different soil types and their uses in agriculture.
• For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, verbal explanations, and tactile experiences with soil samples.

Note for Teachers

Encourage pupils to bring soil samples from home for future lessons. This will make the learning process more engaging and relatable.Happy teaching!