PRIMARY 2: BASIC SCIENCE – FIRST TERM | WEEK 10

TOPIC: PROPERTIES OF SOIL

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

1. Sandy soil sample.
2. Clay soil sample.
3. Loamy soil sample.
4. Transparent cups.
5. Water.
6. Hand lens.
7. Spoons.
8. Trays.
9. Pupils’ writing materials.

B: REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of work.
2. Recommended Basic Science textbook for Primary 2.
3. Online educational resources.

C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

The pupils have learnt that the three common types of soil are sandy soil, clay soil and loamy soil.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

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

1. Explain the meaning of soil properties.
2. Describe the colour of different soil samples.
3. Compare the textures of sandy, clay and loamy soils.
4. Compare the particle sizes of different soils.
5. Observe how different soils hold water.
6. State simple properties of the three soil types.

E: CONTENT

Meaning of Soil Properties

Properties of soil are the features that help us describe and identify soil.

We can observe soil by looking at:

1. Colour.
2. Texture.
3. Particle size.
4. Ability to hold water.

Colour of Soil

Different soils may have different colours.

They may be:

• Brown.
• Dark brown.
• Reddish.
• Grey.

Texture of Sandy Soil

Sandy soil:

• Feels rough.
• Has large particles.
• Does not hold much water.

Texture of Clay Soil

Clay soil:

• Feels smooth or sticky when wet.
• Has very tiny particles.
• Holds a lot of water.

Texture of Loamy Soil

Loamy soil:

• Feels soft and crumbly.
• Contains different sizes of particles.
• Holds enough water for many plants.

Comparing the Three Types of Soil

Simple Water Experiment

The teacher may pour equal amounts of water into the three soil samples.

Pupils observe that water passes through sandy soil quickly while clay holds more water.

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

1. Revises the three types of soil.
2. Displays the three soil samples.
3. Guides pupils to observe their colours.
4. Allows pupils to feel the textures.
5. Demonstrates particle-size differences.
6. Performs a simple water-holding experiment.
7. Guides pupils to compare their observations.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

1. Observe the soil samples.
2. Describe their colours.
3. Feel their textures.
4. Compare particle sizes.
5. Observe the water experiment.
6. State differences among the three soils.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher explains that sandy, clay and loamy soils have different colours, textures, particle sizes and water-holding abilities.

Pupils are encouraged to observe soils around their homes and school.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

1. What are soil properties?
2. Which soil feels rough?
3. Which soil becomes sticky when wet?
4. Which soil has large particles?
5. Which soil holds much water?
6. Mention two properties used to describe soil.
7. Name the three common types of soil.