PRIMARY 3: BASIC SCIENCE – SECOND TERM | WEEK 10

TOPIC: SOIL – IMPORTANCE TO ANIMALS AND HUMAN BEINGS

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

1. Soil samples.
2. Pictures of earthworms.
3. Pictures of ants and termites.
4. Clay pot.
5. Brick.
6. Pictures of farms and buildings.
7. Pupils’ notebooks and pencils.

B: REFERENCE MATERIALS

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

C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

The pupils have learnt that soil is important to plants because it supports roots and provides water, air and nutrients.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

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

1. Mention animals that live in soil.
2. Explain the importance of soil to animals.
3. State uses of soil by human beings.
4. Mention products made from soil.
5. Explain why soil is important for farming and building.

E: CONTENT

Soil as a Home for Animals

Some animals live inside or on the soil. Examples include:

• 🪱 Earthworms
• 🐜 Ants
• Termites
• Some beetles

Soil provides shelter and a place for these animals to find food.

Importance of Soil to Human Beings

Human beings depend on soil in many ways.

Farming

Farmers grow crops in soil. Examples include:

• Maize.
• Beans.
• Yam.
• Vegetables.

Building

Soil materials are used in:

1. Making bricks.
2. Building houses.
3. Road construction.

Pottery

Clay soil can be used to make:

• Pots.
• Plates.
• Decorative objects.

Other Uses of Soil

Soil may also be used for:

1. Making playground surfaces.
2. Moulding blocks.
3. Growing flowers.
4. Supporting trees.

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

1. Revises the importance of soil to plants.
2. Shows pictures of soil animals.
3. Discusses soil as a habitat.
4. Displays a clay pot or brick.
5. Explains farming and building uses.
6. Guides pupils to identify uses of soil around them.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

1. Name animals that live in soil.
2. Explain how soil helps animals.
3. Mention crops grown in soil.
4. Identify objects made from soil materials.
5. State uses of soil.
6. Observe soil products.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher explains that soil is important to plants, animals and human beings. Pupils are encouraged to protect the soil from unnecessary pollution and damage.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

1. Mention three animals that live in soil.
2. How does soil help earthworms?
3. Mention two crops grown in soil.
4. State three uses of soil by human beings.
5. What type of soil is commonly used for making pots?
6. Can soil be used in building?
7. Why is soil important to farmers?