SHS2 Agriculture · Semester 2 Week 4: Principles of Natural Resource Conservation in Agriculture

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.3.2.LI.1 - Explain the meaning of soil nutrients, fertility and productivity.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define soil nutrients, soil fertility, and soil productivity in their own words using examples from local farming experience.
Distinguish between fertile soil and productive soil, explaining why a fertile soil may not always be productive.
Examine soil samples and identify observable characteristics such as colour, texture, structure, and composition.
Explain the relationship between soil nutrients, fertility, and productivity using a simple cause-and-effect chain.
Justify why soil conservation practices are important for maintaining soil fertility and sustained crop productivity.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Food Production and Natural Resource Conservation (Strand 3)
Sub-strand: Principles of Natural Resource Conservation in Agriculture (3.2)
Content standard: 2.3.2.CS.3 - Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills of soil nutrients, fertility and productivity 2.3.2.LO.3 Use the knowledge acquired to explain the role of soil nutrients in soil fertility and productivity in crop production.
Indicator: 2.3.2.LI.1 - Explain the meaning of soil nutrients, fertility and productivity.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 4 (Week 24 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 154

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Structuring talk for learning: Learner's brainstorm to come up with the meaning of soil nutrients, fertility, and productive soils using relevant sources from the environment.
Experiential learning: Learners in mixed-ability groups examine soil samples and discuss the characteristics of the soils in terms of color, texture, structure and composition.
Inquiry-based learning: Learners in mixed-ability groups surf the internet for information on soil fertility and productivity, and discuss the conditions under which fertile soils may not be productive. Teachers should endeavour to involve learners who are introverts and learners with speech problems in the class discussions.
Assessment (2.3.2.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Sample of soils
- Measuring cylinder
- Filter paper
- Litmus paper
- Funnel
- Beaker
- Functional internet connectivity
- Video/pictures of plant nutrient deficiency symptoms