PRIMARY 4: AGRIC SCIENCES – FIRST TERM | WEEK 3

TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF TYPES OF SOIL

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

1. Sandy soil sample.
2. Clay soil sample.
3. Loamy soil sample.
4. Transparent containers.
5. Water.
6. Magnifying glass.

B: REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of work.
2. Recommended Agric Sciences textbook for Primary 4.
3. Online educational resources.

C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

The pupils have learnt the meaning of soil and can identify sandy, clay and loamy soil.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

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

1. Describe sandy soil.
2. Describe clay soil.
3. Describe loamy soil.
4. Compare the water-holding ability of the soil types.
5. State the soil that is most suitable for growing many crops.

E: CONTENT

Characteristics of Sandy Soil

Sandy soil:

1. Has large particles.
2. Feels rough.
3. Has large air spaces.
4. Allows water to pass through quickly.
5. Holds little water.
6. Usually contains little plant food.

Characteristics of Clay Soil

Clay soil:

1. Has very small particles.
2. Feels smooth when dry.
3. Feels sticky when wet.
4. Holds plenty of water.
5. Has small air spaces.
6. Does not drain water easily.

Characteristics of Loamy Soil

Loamy soil:

1. Contains sand, clay and organic matter.
2. Holds enough water for plants.
3. Allows excess water to drain.
4. Contains enough air.
5. Contains plant nutrients.
6. Is suitable for growing many crops.

Comparison of the Soil Types

🌱 Loamy soil is good for many farm crops.

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

1. Displays sandy, clay and loamy soil.
2. Guides pupils to observe their colours and textures.
3. Adds water to each sample.
4. Explains how each soil holds water.
5. Compares the properties of the three soil types.
6. Explains why loamy soil supports many crops.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

1. Observe the soil samples.
2. Touch the different soils.
3. Compare their particle sizes.
4. Observe how the soils react to water.
5. State the characteristics of each soil.
6. Identify the soil suitable for many crops.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher revises the major characteristics of sandy, clay and loamy soils. The teacher encourages pupils to identify soil types by observing their texture and water-holding ability.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

1. State two characteristics of sandy soil.
2. State two characteristics of clay soil.
3. State three characteristics of loamy soil.
4. Which soil holds the most water?
5. Which soil allows water to pass through quickly?
6. Which soil is suitable for growing many crops?