Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Primary 6

Week 7

Subject: Basic science

Topic: Growing crops

Reference: Easy way to basic science and technology for primary schools book 6.

Previous knowledge: Pupils are familiar with the universe.

Objective: At the end of the lesson pupils should be able to know:

1. How to improve crops
2. The qualities of fertile soil
3. The dangers of using fertilizers.

Content

Crop Improvement

One major step in field preparation for growing crops is to increase the fertility of the soil. Fertile soil will yield a larger amount of nutrients, and plants which get good nutrients from the soil will be of better quality.

Qualities of fertile soil

1. Has a good combination of minerals that plants can absorb.
2. Has good water retention capability.
3. Has worms that will till the soil but will not harm plants.
4. Has bacteria and micro-organisms that will decompose complex substances into simple one so that plants can use them easily.

Growing crops with fertilizers

Fertilizers are substances that increase the mineral content of the soil. The important minerals that a plant requires are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium.

Types of fertilizers or manures

1. Natural fertilizers or manures e.g compost, farmyard manure, and green manure.
2. Artificial or chemical fertilizers e.g ammonia, phosphate, potassium fertilizers etc.

Manure: these are organic substances that are produced from dead and decaying plants and their remains. Plants that grow in soil to which manure has been added will be healthy and green.

Dangers of using fertilizers

Fertilizers need to be used very carefully

1. Overuse may cause the plants to lose water from the roots causing plants to die.
2. Excess use may change the nature of the soil. The soil may become acidic or too alkaline.
3. Fertilizers are chemicals. They seep into the soil and set into the water table. Water then becomes unfit for human use.

Presentation:

Step I: Teacher revises previous lesson with pupils

Step II: Teacher introduces and explain new topic to pupils

Step III: Pupils are allowed to ask questions

Step IV: Teacher writes note on the boards for pupils

Evaluation:

1. What are fertilizers?
2. Name two types of fertilizers
3. List two dangers of using fertilizers

Conclusion: Teacher moves round for inspection, marking and correction of notes where necessary.