HomePrimary 4Home EconomicsHow to Prepare Liquid Soap for Primary 4 Home Economics Students

How to Prepare Liquid Soap for Primary 4 Home Economics Students

Lesson Plan: How to Prepare Liquid Soap

Subject: Home Economics

Class: Primary 4

Term: Second Term

Week: Week 8

Age: 9-10 years

Topic: How to Prepare Liquid Soap

Sub-topic: Ingredients and Process of Making Liquid Soap

Duration: 40-45 minutes

Behavioral Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  1. Identify the chemicals used in making liquid soap.
  2. Explain the process of making liquid soap from oils.
  3. Demonstrate the process of making liquid soap (using a simplified recipe).

Keywords:

  • Liquid Soap
  • Saponification
  • Sodium Hydroxide
  • Potassium Hydroxide
  • Glycerin
  • Surfactants
  • Soap Making

Set Induction:

Start by engaging the pupils with a brief discussion about their experiences with soap. Ask:

  • “Have you ever used liquid soap?”
  • “Do you know how liquid soap is made?”
    This allows students to connect prior knowledge to the new topic and generates interest in learning about soap-making.

Entry Behaviour:

Students should have prior knowledge of basic soap (bar soap) and its uses. They should also be familiar with the concept of washing and cleaning. If not, a brief recap on what soap is and its function can be done at the beginning.

Learning Resources and Materials:

  • Real bowls
  • Water
  • Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)
  • Glycerin
  • Citric acid
  • Soap (either grated or bars)
  • Measuring cups
  • Gloves, goggles, and aprons (for safety)
  • PowerPoint presentation or visual aids

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

In the previous lesson, students learned about the types and care of personal clothing. Soap is essential for personal hygiene, and this lesson builds on the concept of cleanliness, where students will now understand how soap (specifically liquid soap) is made.

Embedded Core Skills:

  • Communication and Collaboration: Working in small groups to create liquid soap.
  • Creativity and Imagination: Coming up with different ideas for soap fragrance or colors.
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Thinking about the chemical reactions and safety during the soap-making process.

Instructional Materials:

  • Real-life examples of liquid soap and its ingredients
  • Safety gear (gloves, goggles, aprons)
  • PowerPoint or visual aids showing the soap-making process
  • Grated soap or soap bars for liquid soap preparation

Content:

Definition and Explanation of Liquid Soap:

Liquid soap is a type of soap that is in liquid form rather than solid. It is made by combining oils, water, and chemicals that cause a chemical reaction called saponification, which turns fats or oils into soap. Liquid soap is commonly used for cleaning and personal hygiene.

Chemicals Used in Liquid Soap Making:
  1. Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda): A highly alkaline chemical used to turn oils into soap.
  2. Potassium Hydroxide (Caustic Potash): Another alkaline chemical used for making softer soaps.
  3. Glycerin: A byproduct of saponification, added to liquid soap to soften and moisturize the skin.
  4. Citric Acid: An organic acid used to adjust the pH of liquid soap.
  5. Sodium Chloride (Salt): Used to thicken the soap.
Process of Making Liquid Soap:
  1. Measure the Oils: Begin by measuring out oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or castor oil.
  2. Heat the Oils: Melt the oils in a pot on medium heat.
  3. Prepare the Alkaline Solution: Mix sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide with water. Be careful as these are strong chemicals.
  4. Add the Alkaline Solution to the Oils: Slowly add the alkaline solution to the melted oils, stirring continuously. This process is called saponification.
  5. Stir until Trace: Keep stirring until the mixture thickens to a trace.
  6. Add Additives: Add glycerin for moisture or any fragrance if desired.
  7. Cool and Store: Once the soap reaches the desired thickness, allow it to cool and store it in a safe container.

Examples of Oil Types:

  1. Coconut Oil: Adds hardness to soap and has antibacterial properties.
  2. Olive Oil: Gentle on the skin and provides moisturizing properties.
  3. Castor Oil: Creates a creamy lather.
  4. Palm Oil: Adds stability to the soap.
  5. Vegetable Oil: A more affordable option for making soap.

Evaluation:

Part A: Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

  1. Liquid soap is made by combining oils with _______________ to create a chemical reaction.
    a. Water
    b. Potassium Hydroxide
    c. Salt
    d. Glycerin
  2. The process of turning fats into soap is called _______________.
    a. Filtration
    b. Saponification
    c. Boiling
    d. Distillation
  3. A commonly used alkaline solution in liquid soap making is _______________.
    a. Citric acid
    b. Sodium hydroxide
    c. Vinegar
    d. Salt
  4. The chemical used to thicken liquid soap is _______________.
    a. Sodium chloride
    b. Glycerin
    c. Citric acid
    d. Olive oil
  5. A natural byproduct of saponification that is often added to soap for moisture is _______________.
    a. Sodium chloride
    b. Glycerin
    c. Citric acid
    d. Sodium hydroxide

Part B: Short Answer Questions (Evaluation Questions)

  1. What is the main chemical used in making liquid soap?
  2. Why do we add glycerin to liquid soap?
  3. Name two oils commonly used in soap making.
  4. What does the term “trace” mean in the soap-making process?
  5. How does citric acid affect the soap-making process?
  6. What safety precautions should you take when working with chemicals in soap making?
  7. Why is it important to stir the soap mixture continuously during the saponification process?
  8. What is the function of sodium hydroxide in liquid soap?
  9. How is the process of making liquid soap different from making bar soap?
  10. Why do we add salt to liquid soap?

Class Activity Discussion FAQs:

  1. What is the purpose of saponification?
    • Saponification is the chemical process that turns oils or fats into soap when mixed with an alkaline solution.
  2. Can you use any oil to make soap?
    • Not all oils are ideal, but oils like coconut, olive, and castor oil are commonly used for their properties in soap-making.
  3. Why should we be careful with sodium hydroxide?
    • Sodium hydroxide is caustic and can cause burns, so safety equipment is necessary.

Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities:

Teacher’s Activities:

  1. Introduce the topic and explain the process of making liquid soap.
  2. Show visual aids or a demonstration of liquid soap-making.
  3. Guide students through a practical demonstration of making soap using a safe and simple recipe.

Learners’ Activities:

  1. Work in groups to create their own simple liquid soap recipe.
  2. Share their experiences and ask questions during the process.
  3. Participate in the review and answer evaluation questions.

Assessment:

  • Review students’ answers to the fill-in-the-blank and short answer questions.
  • Observe students’ participation in the practical activity to ensure they understand the process.
  • Provide feedback and clarify any misunderstandings.

Conclusion:

The teacher should summarize the lesson by revisiting key points such as the process of saponification, the chemicals used, and the safety precautions.
The teacher will also assess the students’ practical understanding by reviewing the soap-making activity and providing feedback.

Soap Making Primary 5

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