Lesson Plan for Primary 4 - Agricultural Science - Preparation Of Compost/manure

### Lesson Plan: Preparation of Compost/Manure #### Grade Level: Primary 4 #### Subject: Agricultural Science #### Topic: Preparation of Compost/Manure #### Duration: 60 minutes #### Objectives: - Understand the concept and importance of compost and manure. - Identify materials suitable for composting. - Learn the basic steps in preparing compost. - Appreciate the role of compost in sustainable agriculture. #### Materials Needed: - Chart paper and markers - Organic waste materials (e.g., vegetable peels, fruit scraps, leaves, grass clippings) - Shovel or spade - Watering can or hose - Compost bin or designated compost area - Gloves for students - Visual aids (posters or pictures showing the composting process) - Whiteboard and markers - Handouts/worksheets #### Lesson Outline: **Introduction (10 minutes)** 1. **Greeting:** Welcome the students and briefly introduce the topic. 2. **Engage:** Ask students if they know what compost or manure is. Encourage a few students to share their thoughts. 3. **Explain:** Define compost and manure, explaining that they are organic materials that decompose and enrich the soil. 4. **Importance:** Discuss the role of compost and manure in farming, gardening, and the environment. **Activity 1: Identifying Compostable Materials (10 minutes)** 1. **Interactive Discussion:** Show pictures or samples of organic materials that can be composted (vegetable peels, fruit scraps, leaves, etc.) 2. **Classifying Materials:** Hand out charts to small groups and ask them to categorize items that can and cannot be composted. 3. **Share Results:** Have each group present their findings. **Activity 2: Steps to Prepare Compost (15 minutes)** 1. **Visual Presentation:** Use a poster or visual aid to show the steps in compost preparation. - **Step 1:** Collect organic materials. - **Step 2:** Chop larger items into smaller pieces. - **Step 3:** Mix brown materials (leaves, straw) and green materials (vegetable scraps, grass clippings). - **Step 4:** Add water to keep the compost moist. - **Step 5:** Turn the compost regularly to aerate it. 2. **Demonstration:** Take the students to the compost bin or designated area and show them how to layer the materials and add water. 3. **Hands-on Activity:** Allow students to take turns adding materials and turning the compost under supervision. **Activity 3: Worksheet Exercise (10 minutes)** 1. **Handout:** Give each student a worksheet that covers the basic steps and importance of composting. 2. **Interactive Completion:** Read through the worksheet with the students and guide them in filling in the answers. **Conclusion (5 minutes)** 1. **Recap:** Summarize the key points covered in the lesson. 2. **Q&A:** Allow students to ask questions and provide clarifications. 3. **Closure:** Remind students of the importance of composting and encourage them to practice it at home if possible. **Homework Assignment:** - Ask students to create a simple composting setup at home and document their progress with pictures or drawings over the next month. They can then present their experience to the class. **Assessment:** - Evaluate students based on their participation, group activity results, worksheet completion, and understanding of the topic through verbal questioning. #### Additional Notes: - Ensure that all students handle compost materials with gloves and wash their hands afterward. - Adapt the lesson as needed to cater to different learning styles and individual needs.