PRIMARY 3: BASIC SCIENCE – SECOND TERM | WEEK 9

TOPIC: SOIL – IMPORTANCE TO PLANTS

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

1. Soil samples.
2. Small flowerpots.
3. Seeds.
4. Water.
5. Pictures of growing plants.
6. Magnifying glass if available.
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 found on the surface of the earth and is important for growing plants.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

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

1. Explain the meaning of soil.
2. Mention some components of soil.
3. State the importance of soil to plants.
4. Explain how roots use soil.
5. Plant a seed in soil.

E: CONTENT

Meaning of Soil

Soil is the loose material found on the surface of the earth. Many plants grow in soil.

Components of Soil

Soil may contain:

1. Tiny rock particles.
2. Water.
3. Air.
4. Humus.
5. Small living organisms.

Meaning of Humus

Humus is decayed plant and animal material found in soil. It can help make soil fertile.

Importance of Soil to Plants

Soil is important to plants because it:

1. Holds the roots firmly.
2. Provides water.
3. Provides air for roots.
4. Provides some nutrients.
5. Supports plant growth.

🌱 + soil + water + air ➡️ healthy growth

Planting in Soil

To plant a seed:

1. Put soil in a container.
2. Make a small hole.
3. Place the seed inside.
4. Cover it lightly with soil.
5. Water it gently.
6. Place it where it can receive suitable light.

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

1. Displays soil samples.
2. Explains the meaning of soil.
3. Identifies simple soil components.
4. Explains humus.
5. Discusses the importance of soil to plants.
6. Demonstrates how to plant a seed.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

1. Observe soil samples.
2. Mention components of soil.
3. Explain how soil helps plants.
4. Observe humus if available.
5. Plant seeds in soil.
6. Water the planted seeds.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher explains that soil provides support, water, air and nutrients that help many plants grow. Pupils are encouraged to care for the seeds they plant and observe their growth.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

1. What is soil?
2. Mention three components of soil.
3. What is humus?
4. State three ways soil helps plants.
5. What part of a plant is held firmly by soil?
6. Why do plants need water in the soil?
7. Mention one thing needed when planting a seed.