Importance of Soil to Animals Basic Science Primary 3 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 10
Lesson Plan: Importance of Soil to Animals
Subject: Basic Science
Class: Primary 3
Term: Second Term
Week: 10
Age: 8–9 years
Topic: Importance of Soil to Animals
Sub-topic: How Soil Supports Animal Life
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Explain how soil provides habitats for animals.
- Identify animals that depend on soil for survival.
- Describe the role of soil in supporting animal life.
- Recognize how soil affects the environment and the food chain.
Keywords
- Soil
- Habitat
- Animals
- Insects
- Worms
- Burrows
- Ecosystem
Set Induction
The teacher asks the pupils: “Have you ever seen a worm or an insect in the soil? Why do you think they live in the soil?” This helps pupils to begin thinking about the role of soil in supporting life.
Entry Behaviour
Pupils have already learned about the components of soil and the different types of soil. They are familiar with animals like worms, ants, and other insects.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Pictures of animals that live in soil (e.g., worms, ants, rats)
- Soil samples
- Short video or animation showing animals living in soil
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
Pupils know that animals live in different environments, and some animals live in or near the soil. They can connect this lesson to animals they may have seen in their environment.
Embedded Core Skills
- Observation
- Critical thinking
- Communication
Reference Books
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Basic Science Textbook for Primary 3
Instructional Materials
- Visual aids (pictures of soil animals)
- Samples of soil with small insects and worms (if available)
- Video showing animals that live in soil
Content
Importance of Soil to Animals
- Soil as a Habitat:
- Many animals depend on soil for shelter and survival. Soil provides them with homes and protection.
- Examples of animals that live in soil include worms, ants, rats, and other burrowing animals.
- Protection:
- Soil helps protect animals from harsh weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold.
- Soil provides a safe environment where animals can hide from predators.
- Food Sources:
- Soil contains nutrients that some animals eat. For example, worms and insects feed on decaying plant matter found in soil.
- Animals like rabbits and moles find food in the soil, such as roots and small plants.
- Water Supply:
- Soil holds water, which is essential for animals. Soil helps retain moisture that some animals rely on.
- Supporting the Ecosystem:
- Soil supports the food chain by providing the foundation for plants that animals feed on.
- Soil also provides a place for decomposers like bacteria and fungi that help break down dead plant and animal matter.
Evaluation Questions
Part A: Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options
- Soil provides a ______ for many animals.
a. home b. danger c. food d. shelter - ______ animals, like worms, live in soil.
a. Flying b. Burrowing c. Swimming d. Running - Soil helps protect animals from ______.
a. water b. predators c. plants d. noise - Worms and ants feed on ______ found in soil.
a. grass b. leaves c. roots d. animals - The moisture in soil helps animals like ______.
a. rabbits b. fish c. moles d. cows - Soil provides ______ for plants that animals eat.
a. sunlight b. nutrients c. water d. oxygen - ______ animals use soil for shelter.
a. Farm b. Wild c. Domestic d. Airborne - Soil helps retain ______, which animals need.
a. oxygen b. warmth c. food d. water - Animals like rats and rabbits dig into the ______ for shelter.
a. forest b. mountain c. soil d. water - Decomposers in the soil help break down ______.
a. stones b. animals c. plants d. buildings
Part B: Class Activity Discussion (FAQs)
- Why is soil important to animals?
Soil provides animals with shelter, food, water, and protection. - Which animals live in soil?
Animals like worms, ants, rats, rabbits, and moles live in soil. - How does soil protect animals?
Soil provides protection from extreme weather and predators. - What do animals eat from the soil?
Animals like worms and insects eat decaying plant matter and roots found in the soil. - Why do some animals dig in the soil?
Animals dig to find food, create shelter, or protect themselves from predators. - How does soil help in the food chain?
Soil helps plants grow, and animals feed on these plants. Soil also supports decomposers. - What role does moisture in soil play for animals?
Moisture helps animals like moles and worms stay hydrated and provides a cool environment. - Can all animals live in soil?
Not all animals live in soil; only those adapted to burrow or find food there can survive. - How do animals benefit from the ecosystem in soil?
Animals depend on soil for food, shelter, and moisture. Soil also provides a habitat for decomposers. - How does soil help the environment?
Soil holds water, supports plant life, and maintains balance in the ecosystem by supporting animals and decomposers. - What is a habitat?
A habitat is a place where animals live, find food, and reproduce. - What do animals do in their soil habitat?
Animals in soil dig, find food, and make homes like burrows. - Do all animals need soil for survival?
No, only some animals, like insects and burrowing animals, need soil. - What happens if the soil is removed?
Animals that depend on soil for food and shelter may die or move to other places. - Why do plants need soil?
Plants need soil for nutrients, water, and to anchor their roots.
Teacher’s Activities
- Show pictures of animals that live in soil and ask the pupils to identify them.
- Explain how soil supports animal life by providing shelter, food, and water.
- Ask questions to encourage pupils to think about how animals and soil are connected.
- Show a video or animation of animals living in soil.
Learners’ Activities
- Look at the pictures of animals and identify those that live in soil.
- Participate in discussions about the importance of soil to animals.
- Answer the evaluation questions during the lesson.
- Write or draw examples of animals they know that live in soil.
Assessment
Evaluation Questions:
- Why do worms live in the soil?
- How does soil protect animals?
- Name two animals that live in soil.
- What do ants eat from the soil?
- How does soil help plants grow?
- Why is soil important for the food chain?
- What happens to animals when there is no soil?
- How does soil provide water to animals?
- How do animals use soil for shelter?
- Why should we protect soil?
Conclusion
The teacher concludes the lesson by revisiting the importance of soil to animals and asking pupils to give examples of animals they have seen living in soil. The teacher provides feedback and reinforces the lesson’s key points.
SEO Elements
Captivating Title: Importance of Soil to Animals: Habitat and Survival
Focus Keyphrase: Importance of Soil to Animals
SEO Title: Discover the Importance of Soil to Animals and Ecosystems | Primary 3 Basic Science
Slug: importance-soil-animals-habitat-survival
Meta Description: Learn how soil supports animals by providing shelter, food, and water in this engaging lesson for Primary 3 pupils.