Sure, here is a lesson plan for a Nursery 1 class on the topic of Soil under Basic Science and Technology:
**Lesson Plan: Soil - Understanding Basics**
**Age Group:** Nursery 1 (typically 3-4 years old)
**Subject:** Basic Science and Technology
**Duration:** 45 minutes
**Objectives:**
1. Introduce students to the concept of soil.
2. Teach students the basic types of soil via sensory experiences.
3. Help students understand the importance of soil in plant growth.
**Materials Needed:**
1. Small containers/trays with different types of soil (sand, clay, loam).
2. Small plants or seedlings in pots.
3. Plastic spoons
4. Magnifying glasses
5. Pictures of plants and places where soil is found.
6. Water spray bottle
7. Aprons
**Lesson Outline:**
**1. Introduction (10 minutes):**
- Greet the students and gather them in a circle.
- Show a picture of various places like gardens, parks, and fields to introduce the concept of soil.
- Ask questions like, “Have you ever played in a garden? What did you see on the ground?” to engage them and relate to their experiences.
- Introduce the word "soil" and explain that it is what plants and flowers grow in.
**2. Exploration and Sensory Activity (15 minutes):**
- Provide each child with an apron and a plastic spoon.
- Place small containers of different types of soil (sand, clay, loam) on tables.
- Let the children feel, touch, and explore the different soils using their hands and magnifying glasses.
- Guide discussions on how each type of soil feels (e.g., “Is it soft or hard?” “Does it stick to your hand or slide off easily?”).
**3. Demonstration and Observation (10 minutes):**
- Show them potted plants and explain that most plants grow in soil because soil holds water and nutrients they need.
- Use the water spray bottle to demonstrate how soil absorbs water.
- Let children observe how the water seeps into the soil.
- Explain briefly how different types of soil hold water differently.
**4. Planting Activity (5 minutes):**
- Allow each child to “plant” a small seed or seedling in a small container filled with soil.
- Show them how to use the spoon to cover the seed with soil gently.
**5. Recapitulation and Q&A (5 minutes):**
- Gather the children back in a circle and briefly review what they learned about soil.
- Ask simple questions like, “What is soil?” “What grows in soil?” to reinforce learning.
- Encourage them to talk about how soil felt and what they observed.
**6. Conclusion and Cleanup (5 minutes):**
- Thank the children for participating.
- Have a short song or poem about soil and plants.
- Assist the children in cleaning up the activity area and washing their hands.
**Extension Activity (Can be done at home or next session):**
- Send a note to parents suggesting a simple activity: allow the children to look for soil in their garden or nearby park and share their findings during the next class.
**Assessment:**
- Observation-based assessment during activities: note their engagement and ability to describe and differentiate types of soil.
- Simple Q&A to gauge their understanding and retention of the lesson.
**Resources for Teachers:**
- "Soil" by Ellen Lawrence (book)
- Online videos showing animation of plant growth and soil
- Nursery rhymes about plants and nature
This lesson plan aims to provide a hands-on, sensory-rich experience for nursery-aged children to understand the basics of soil, promoting curiosity and foundational knowledge in Basic Science and Technology.