TOPIC: STEPS IN COMPOST MAKING – PRACTICAL
A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS
- Dry leaves.
- Dry grass.
- Animal dung.
- Kitchen waste.
- Soil.
- Watering can.
- Shovel.
- Compost pit or heap.
- Sacks or leaves for covering.
B: REFERENCE MATERIALS
- Scheme of work.
- Recommended Agric Sciences textbook for Primary 4.
- Online educational resources.
C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE
The pupils have learnt the materials required for making compost manure and how the materials are arranged in layers.
D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- State the steps in making compost.
- Prepare a compost pit or heap.
- Arrange materials in layers.
- Explain why compost is watered.
- Explain why compost is turned.
- Identify mature compost.
E: CONTENT
Steps in Making Compost
Step 1: Choose a Suitable Place
Select a shaded and well-drained area.
Step 2: Prepare the Pit or Heap
A shallow pit may be dug, or a heap may be prepared above the ground.
Step 3: Gather Materials
Collect:
- leaves
- grasses
- kitchen waste
- animal dung
- soil
- water
Step 4: Arrange Materials in Layers
Place dry plant materials first. Add animal dung and kitchen waste. Cover with a thin layer of soil. Repeat the process.
Step 5: Add Water
Sprinkle water to keep the compost moist.
Step 6: Cover the Compost
Cover it with sacks, leaves or other suitable materials.
Step 7: Turn the Compost
Turn the compost regularly to allow air to enter.
Step 8: Allow It to Decay
The materials should be left to decay.
Signs of Mature Compost
Mature compost:
- is dark in colour
- is soft and crumbly
- has an earthy smell
- does not look like the original materials
🌱 Mature compost can be added to farmland.
F: LESSON PRESENTATION
F1: Teachers’ Activities
- Selects a suitable compost site.
- Demonstrates pit or heap preparation.
- Guides pupils to gather materials.
- Demonstrates layering.
- Demonstrates watering.
- Explains covering and turning.
- Shows mature compost if available.
F2: Pupils’ Activities
- Identify the compost site.
- Gather materials.
- Arrange compost materials.
- Sprinkle water.
- Explain why compost is turned.
- Identify signs of mature compost.
G: CONCLUSION
The teacher revises the complete process of making compost manure. The teacher encourages pupils to practise simple compost making under proper supervision.
H: EVALUATION GUIDE
Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:
- What should be done first when making compost?
- Name four compost materials.
- Why is water added?
- Why should compost be turned?
- State three signs of mature compost.
- What can mature compost be used for?