Understanding the Environment · JHS2 Science

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: B8.5.5.1.1 - Discuss physical properties of soils

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Collect and correctly identify samples of sandy soil, loamy soil and clay soil from the school garden and the surrounding community.
Describe at least three physical properties of each soil type, including texture, colour, particle size and water drainage.
Explain how each soil type retains water and supports the root systems of plants.
Conduct a simple experiment to compare how different soil types retain water and record their observations.
Discuss the importance of knowing soil physical properties for choosing crops in Ghanaian farming communities.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Humans and the Environment (Strand 5)
Sub-strand: Understanding the Environment (5.5)
Content standard: B8.5.5.1 - Demonstrate understanding of the differences among soils, plant roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits of plants in the different environments
Indicator: B8.5.5.1.1 - Discuss physical properties of soils
Suggested placement: Term 3, Week 10 (Week 34 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: Science, Common Core Programme (JHS1-JHS3), 2023, p. 84
Transcribed from the official NaCCA publication. Check this page against the source.

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

1. Collect and describe different samples of soils (sandy soil, loamy soil, clay soil, etc.) from the school garden and the community.
2. Discuss how each soil type retains water and supports the root system of plants.
3. Conduct an experiment to demonstrate how different soil types retain water to support the root system of crops.