### Lesson Plan: Importance of Soil to Animals + Input Devices
**Grade:** Primary 3
**Subject:** Basic Science and Technology
**Duration:** 60 minutes
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#### **Lesson Objectives:**
1. **Science Objective:** Students will understand the importance of soil to animals and how different animals utilize soil.
2. **Technology Objective:** Students will identify different input devices and understand their uses.
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### **Lesson Outline:**
**Introduction: (10 minutes)**
- **Greeting:** Welcome the students and briefly discuss the day's objectives.
- **Ice Breaker Activity:** Ask students to name animals they have seen in or around soil. This will engage them right away and set the stage for the lesson.
**Teaching Activities:**
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#### **Part 1: Importance of Soil to Animals (30 minutes)**
**Materials Needed:**
- Pictures of various animals that live in or use the soil (e.g., earthworms, ants, rabbits, moles)
- Samples of different types of soil (sand, clay, loam)
- A video clip showing animals using soil (if available)
**Activity Steps:**
1. **Discussion:** Briefly discuss what soil is. Ask students if they know any animals that use soil.
2. **Show Pictures and Samples:** Display pictures of animals and soil samples. Explain how each animal uses soil (e.g., earthworms make tunnels to help soil airation; some animals like rabbits dig burrows for shelter).
3. **Story Time:** Read a short story that features an animal using the soil (e.g., "Sammy the Soil-Searching Mole").
4. **Hands-On Activity:** Allow students to touch and feel different soil samples. Discuss the properties of each and how they might be useful to animals.
**Key Points to Highlight:**
- Soil provides habitats and shelter for various animals.
- Soil is essential for the growth of plants, which many animals depend on for food.
- Some animals help to keep the soil healthy by aerating it or breaking down organic matter.
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#### **Part 2: Input Devices (20 minutes)**
**Materials Needed:**
- Various input devices (keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, microphone)
- A computer or tablet
- Poster with images of different input devices
**Activity Steps:**
1. **Define Input Devices:** Explain that input devices are tools we use to provide data and control signals to a computer.
2. **Show and Tell:** Display different input devices and demonstrate how each one works (e.g., typing on a keyboard, clicking with a mouse, touching a screen, speaking into a microphone).
3. **Interactive Demo:** Have students take turns using the different input devices connected to a computer or tablet, so they can see the results of their actions.
4. **Quiz Game:** Organize a quick quiz game to identify input devices from pictures shown on a poster. Reward correct answers with small prizes or praise.
**Key Points to Highlight:**
- The keyboard is used for typing.
- The mouse is used to point and click.
- Touchscreens allow direct interaction with what is displayed.
- Microphones are used to input sound.
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**Conclusion and Recap: (5 minutes)**
- Quickly recap the key points covered in the lesson.
- Ask a few questions to ensure understanding.
- "Why is soil important for earthworms?"
- "Can you name an input device and tell me how it works?"
- Provide a fun fact or additional interesting information as a teaser for the next lesson.
**Homework:**
- **Science:** Ask students to draw a picture of an animal that uses soil and write one sentence about how it uses soil.
- **Technology:** Have students find and bring in a picture of an input device they have at home.
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**Assessment:**
- Observe student participation and engagement during activities.
- Check homework for understanding and accuracy.
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**Reflection:**
- After the lesson, note which parts were most engaging for students and which may need adjustments for future lessons.
- Consider additional resources or activities that could enhance understanding of both topics.
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### Additional Resources:
**Books:**
- "Sammy the Soil-Searching Mole" (storybook)
- "Eddie's Computer Mystery" (introductory technology book for kids)
**Websites:**
- National Geographic Kids (for animal videos)
- Starfall (interactive literacy and tech practice games)
This lesson plan ensures a balanced approach to teaching fundamental science and technology concepts in an engaging, hands-on manner suitable for Primary 3 students.