PRIMARY 4: AGRIC SCIENCES – FIRST TERM | WEEK 9

TOPIC: PROCESSES OF MAKING COMPOST MANURE

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

1. Dry leaves.
2. Dry grass.
3. Animal dung.
4. Soil.
5. Water.
6. Shovel.
7. Watering can.
8. Compost pit or heap.

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 compost manure, materials used for compost and the pit and heap methods.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

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

1. List the steps involved in making compost.
2. Arrange compost materials in layers.
3. Explain why compost is watered.
4. Explain why compost is turned.
5. Identify when compost manure is ready for use.

E: CONTENT

Steps in Making Compost Manure

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Site

Choose a shaded place that is not waterlogged.

Step 2: Gather the Materials

Collect materials such as:

• dry leaves
• grass
• kitchen waste
• animal dung
• soil
• water

Step 3: Prepare the Pit or Heap

Dig a shallow pit or prepare a suitable place for a heap.

Step 4: Arrange Materials in Layers

Place the materials in layers. Example:

1. Dry leaves and grasses.
2. Animal dung.
3. Kitchen waste.
4. A thin layer of soil.

Repeat the layers as necessary.

Step 5: Add Water

Sprinkle water over the compost. The materials should be moist but not flooded. 💧 Water helps materials to decay.

Step 6: Cover the Compost

Cover the heap or pit with leaves, sacks or other suitable materials.

Step 7: Turn the Compost

The compost should be turned regularly. Turning allows air to enter and helps the materials decay evenly.

Step 8: Allow It to Decay

After some weeks, the materials become dark and crumbly.

Signs That Compost Is Ready

Ready compost:

• is dark brown or black
• has an earthy smell
• is soft and crumbly
• no longer looks like the original materials

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

1. Revises compost materials.
2. Demonstrates the preparation of a compost pit or heap.
3. Arranges compost materials in layers.
4. Demonstrates watering.
5. Explains the need for turning compost.
6. Shows pupils mature compost where available.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

1. Name compost materials.
2. Arrange compost materials in layers.
3. Sprinkle water on the compost.
4. Explain why compost is turned.
5. Identify signs of mature compost.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher revises the steps involved in preparing compost manure from beginning to maturity. The teacher encourages pupils to participate in simple compost-making activities under adult supervision.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

1. What should be done first when making compost?
2. Name four materials used for compost making.
3. Why is water added to compost?
4. Why should compost be turned?
5. State three signs that compost is ready.
6. Arrange these correctly: watering, gathering materials, choosing a site, arranging materials.