Growing Crops and Improving Crops Yields Basic Science Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3
Subject: Basic Science
Class: Primary/Basic 6
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 11 years
Topic: Growing Crops
Sub-Topic: Conditions for Better Crops; Importance of Fertilizers to the Soil; Components of Fertilizer; Growing Crops with Compost or Fertilizer
Duration: 2 hours
Behavioral Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:
- State the conditions necessary for growing crops.
- Describe the importance of fertilizers to the soil.
- Enumerate the components of fertilizers.
- Explain how to grow crops using compost or fertilizers.
Keywords:
- Conditions
- Fertilizers
- Components
- Compost
- Soil
Set Induction:
Start the lesson with a discussion or a video showing different crops and how they grow. Ask students to think about what helps crops grow well and what might harm them.
Entry Behavior:
Students should have basic knowledge of plants and their needs from previous lessons.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- Pictures of different crops
- Samples of fertilizers and compost
- Whiteboard and markers
- Chart paper
- Soil samples (if available)
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Connect the topic to what students know about plant needs and growth. Review basic plant requirements like water, sunlight, and soil.
Embedded Core Skills:
- Observation
- Analysis
- Practical application
Learning Materials:
- Visual aids (pictures of crops, fertilizers, compost)
- Samples of fertilizers and compost (optional)
Reference Books:
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Basic Science Textbook for Primary 6
Instructional Materials:
- Whiteboard
- Markers
- Projector (if available)
Content:
- Conditions for Better Crops:
- Water: Regular watering is essential.
- Sunlight: Plants need adequate sunlight.
- Soil Quality: Good soil provides nutrients and proper drainage.
- Temperature: Some crops require specific temperature ranges.
- Air: Plants need proper airflow to grow healthily.
- Importance of Fertilizers to the Soil:
- Fertilizers provide essential nutrients that may not be present in the soil.
- They help improve soil fertility and promote healthy plant growth.
- Fertilizers can correct nutrient deficiencies and improve crop yields.
- Components of Fertilizer:
- Nitrogen (N): Promotes leaf growth.
- Phosphorus (P): Supports root development and flowering.
- Potassium (K): Enhances overall plant health and resistance to disease.
- Growing Crops with Compost or Fertilizer:
- Compost: Made from organic matter, improves soil structure and provides nutrients.
- Fertilizer Application: Follow guidelines for the correct amount and timing.
Questions:
- Plants need ______ to grow, including water, sunlight, and good soil. (a) food, (b) shelter, (c) air, (d) space
- Fertilizers help improve the ______ of the soil. (a) color, (b) texture, (c) fertility, (d) size
- ______ is an essential component of fertilizers that promotes leaf growth. (a) Phosphorus, (b) Potassium, (c) Nitrogen, (d) Compost
- The process of adding compost to soil helps ______ the soil structure. (a) degrade, (b) improve, (c) remove, (d) color
- To grow healthy crops, plants need ______ sunlight. (a) no, (b) limited, (c) adequate, (d) artificial
- A lack of ______ can result in poor plant growth. (a) water, (b) air, (c) space, (d) sunlight
- Phosphorus helps in ______ development. (a) leaf, (b) flower, (c) root, (d) stem
- Fertilizers usually contain three main components: nitrogen, phosphorus, and ______. (a) calcium, (b) magnesium, (c) potassium, (d) sulfur
- Compost is made from ______ matter. (a) artificial, (b) inorganic, (c) organic, (d) mineral
- Plants need ______ temperatures for optimal growth. (a) extreme, (b) low, (c) specific, (d) random
- The ______ in fertilizers enhances plant health and disease resistance. (a) nitrogen, (b) phosphorus, (c) potassium, (d) compost
- Compost improves soil ______ and provides nutrients. (a) color, (b) texture, (c) size, (d) moisture
- Plants require ______ air to grow healthily. (a) stale, (b) warm, (c) fresh, (d) cold
- Fertilizers can help correct ______ deficiencies in the soil. (a) color, (b) nutrient, (c) size, (d) moisture
- Good soil for growing crops should have proper ______. (a) depth, (b) drainage, (c) temperature, (d) light
Class Activity Discussion
- Q: What are some conditions necessary for growing crops?
A: Water, sunlight, good soil quality, temperature, and air. - Q: Why are fertilizers important for soil?
A: Fertilizers provide essential nutrients that improve soil fertility and promote healthy plant growth. - Q: What are the main components of fertilizer?
A: Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. - Q: How does compost benefit the soil?
A: Compost improves soil structure and provides organic nutrients. - Q: What role does nitrogen play in plant growth?
A: Nitrogen promotes leaf growth. - Q: How often should crops be watered?
A: Regularly, depending on the crop’s needs and weather conditions. - Q: What is the best way to apply fertilizer?
A: Follow the recommended guidelines for amount and timing. - Q: Can plants grow without sunlight?
A: No, plants need adequate sunlight to perform photosynthesis and grow. - Q: What happens if soil quality is poor?
A: Plants may grow poorly and yield less produce. - Q: How does phosphorus benefit plants?
A: Phosphorus supports root development and flowering. - Q: What is the effect of adding compost to soil?
A: It enhances soil fertility and improves its structure. - Q: How does potassium affect plant health?
A: Potassium helps improve overall plant health and disease resistance. - Q: Why is proper drainage important for soil?
A: It prevents waterlogging and ensures roots receive adequate oxygen. - Q: Can you use compost and fertilizer together?
A: Yes, they can be used together to provide both organic matter and essential nutrients. - Q: What should be considered when choosing a fertilizer?
A: The specific nutrient needs of the plants and the soil’s existing nutrient levels.
Presentation:
- Introduction:
- Discuss the essential conditions for growing crops.
- Introduce the concept of fertilizers and compost.
- Activity:
- Show samples of fertilizers and compost.
- Discuss the components of each and how they affect soil.
- Practical Application:
- Demonstrate how to apply compost or fertilizer to soil.
- Review:
- Summarize key points and answer any questions from students.
Teacher’s Activities:
- Present information about growing crops, fertilizers, and compost.
- Lead practical demonstrations if possible.
- Facilitate discussions and answer questions.
Learners’ Activities:
- Engage in discussions about crop growth conditions.
- Observe and discuss samples of fertilizers and compost.
- Participate in practical application exercises.
Assessment:
- Check students’ understanding through their responses and participation.
- Use the fill-in-the-blank questions and FAQs to assess knowledge.
Evaluation Questions:
- What are the conditions necessary for growing crops?
- Why is it important to use fertilizers in soil?
- Name three components of fertilizers.
- How does compost benefit the soil?
- What does nitrogen do for plants?
- How can you tell if soil needs fertilizer?
- What is the role of phosphorus in plant growth?
- Why should crops be watered regularly?
- What is the difference between compost and chemical fertilizers?
- How do you apply fertilizer to crops effectively?
Conclusion:
- Review the main points about growing crops, fertilizers, and compost.
- Discuss how understanding these concepts can improve crop yields.
- Set expectations for the next lesson.
Learn about the essential conditions for growing crops, the importance of fertilizers, and how to use compost effectively with this comprehensive lesson plan for Primary 6 students.