Principles of Natural Resource… · SHS1 Agriculture

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.3.2.LI.3 - Examine and discuss the composition of soil.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Identify at least four distinct components of a soil sample (mineral particles, organic matter, water/moisture, air, and living organisms) through direct observation and simple testing.
Describe the relative proportion of each component in a typical agricultural soil and explain why these proportions matter for crop growth.
Explain the role of each soil component in supporting plant growth and agricultural production.
Demonstrate, through a simple hands-on experiment (e.g., the jar test), how soil separates into its visible components when mixed with water.
Present a group report on the composition of a soil sample collected from the school farm, using scientific vocabulary learned in class.

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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: 1.3.2.CS.2 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the nature, importance, composition and properties of soil. 1.3.2.LO.2 Use the knowledge acquired to describe the nature, importance, composition and properties of soil.
Indicator: 1.3.2.LI.3 - Examine and discuss the composition of soil.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 7 (Week 27 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. 79

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Think-Pair-Share: Learners examine soil samples provided and share their thoughts with their peers on the composition of the soil. Examples (moisture, organic matter, particles, organisms, etc.). Encourage all learners to examine the soil samples and share their thoughts. Learners having difficulties should be guided with leading questions to come up with the composition of soil and share. Learners who are capable of giving more details on the composition of soil should be encouraged.
Talk for learning: Learners in ability groups discuss the importance of the various components of soil in Agricultural production. Groups facing difficulties should be assisted with guiding questions and other materials to assist them in the activity. Groups that can come up with more detailed information should be encouraged.
Experiential learning: Learners in ability groups identify the compositions of soil samples from various positions of the school farm. Learners then write and present their reports in class for assessment. All learners should be encouraged to take an
active role in the activity. Group members should be encouraged to elect group leaders who will coordinate their work.
Assessment (1.3.2.AS.3). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Tools for digging the pit
- Labelled picture/chart of a soil profile/structure
- Functional internet connectivity
- Soil textural triangle
- Litmus paper
- Videos/pictures on the determination of the various components of soil
- Measuring cylinder
- Source of heat
- Beakers
- Lime water
- Muslin bag
- Class tubes
- Silica dish