How to Make Detergents Home Economics Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Home Economics Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Subject: Home Economics
Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 10 years
Topic: How to Make Detergents
Sub-topic: Understanding Detergents and Their Production
Duration: 40 Minutes


Behavioural Objectives

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

  1. Explain what detergents are.
  2. Describe the process of making detergents.

Keywords

  • Detergent: A cleaning agent that removes dirt and stains.
  • Process: The steps involved in making something.
  • Ingredients: The substances used to make detergents.

Set Induction

Begin by showing the pupils different types of detergents (powder, liquid, etc.). Ask them if they know how these detergents are made. Engage them by discussing the importance of detergents in cleaning.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils have seen and used detergents at home for cleaning but may not know how they are made.

Learning Resources and Materials

  • Samples of detergents (powder and liquid)
  • Soap base
  • Sodium sulfate
  • Sodium carbonate
  • Water
  • Fragrance
  • Coloring agent

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Review the previous lesson on the tools and agents for cleaning the home. Explain that detergents are one of the most important cleaning agents used in homes.

Embedded Core Skills

  • Scientific reasoning
  • Practical skills
  • Observation
  • Safety awareness

Learning Materials

  • Visual aids showing the process of making detergents.
  • Ingredients and tools needed for making detergents.

Reference Books

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Home Economics Textbook for Primary Schools

Instructional Materials

  1. Charts: Displaying the steps of detergent making.
  2. Real Objects: Ingredients used in detergent making.

Content

1. What are Detergents?

  • Definition: Detergents are cleaning agents that help remove dirt, stains, and grease from surfaces, clothes, and dishes.
  • Types of Detergents:
    • Powder Detergent: Comes in a powdered form.
    • Liquid Detergent: A detergent that is in liquid form.
  • Uses of Detergents: Cleaning clothes, washing dishes, cleaning floors, etc.

2. Ingredients Used in Making Detergents

  • Soap Base: The main cleaning agent.
  • Sodium Sulfate: Helps in controlling the thickness of the detergent.
  • Sodium Carbonate: Also known as washing soda, it helps to remove stains.
  • Water: Used to mix and dissolve other ingredients.
  • Fragrance: Added to give the detergent a pleasant smell.
  • Coloring Agent: Added to give the detergent an appealing color.

3. Process of Making Detergents

  • Step 1: Measure the required amount of soap base and sodium sulfate.
  • Step 2: Mix the soap base and sodium sulfate in a large bowl.
  • Step 3: Add sodium carbonate to the mixture and stir well.
  • Step 4: Slowly add water to the mixture while stirring to ensure all ingredients dissolve completely.
  • Step 5: Add fragrance and coloring agent to the mixture as desired.
  • Step 6: Continue stirring until the detergent reaches a uniform consistency.
  • Step 7: Pour the detergent into a container and allow it to set before use.

4. Demonstration: Making Detergent

  • Example: The teacher demonstrates how to make a simple detergent using the ingredients provided. Pupils can observe and ask questions during the demonstration.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

  1. Detergents are used for _______.
    • a) Cleaning
    • b) Cooking
    • c) Drawing
    • d) Building
  2. Sodium sulfate is used to control the _______ of the detergent.
    • a) Thickness
    • b) Smell
    • c) Color
    • d) Taste
  3. _______ is the main cleaning agent in detergents.
    • a) Soap base
    • b) Water
    • c) Sodium carbonate
    • d) Fragrance
  4. Liquid detergents are _______ in form.
    • a) Liquid
    • b) Solid
    • c) Powder
    • d) Gas
  5. Fragrance is added to give the detergent a pleasant _______.
    • a) Smell
    • b) Color
    • c) Texture
    • d) Taste
  6. Sodium carbonate is also known as _______.
    • a) Washing soda
    • b) Baking soda
    • c) Table salt
    • d) Vinegar
  7. We add a coloring agent to give the detergent an appealing _______.
    • a) Color
    • b) Smell
    • c) Shape
    • d) Sound
  8. Water is used to _______ the ingredients.
    • a) Mix
    • b) Boil
    • c) Break
    • d) Freeze
  9. Detergents can be used to clean _______.
    • a) Clothes
    • b) Books
    • c) Papers
    • d) Plants
  10. The process of making detergent starts with measuring the _______.
    • a) Ingredients
    • b) Clothes
    • c) Bottles
    • d) Detergent

15 FAQs with Answers

  1. Q: What is the main function of detergents? A: Detergents are used to remove dirt, stains, and grease from various surfaces.
  2. Q: What are the two types of detergents? A: The two main types are powder detergents and liquid detergents.
  3. Q: What ingredient controls the thickness of detergent? A: Sodium sulfate is used to control the thickness.
  4. Q: Can detergents be used for cleaning dishes? A: Yes, detergents can be used for cleaning dishes.
  5. Q: What gives detergents a pleasant smell? A: Fragrance is added to detergents for a pleasant smell.
  6. Q: Why do we add sodium carbonate to detergents? A: Sodium carbonate helps remove stains.
  7. Q: What is another name for sodium carbonate? A: Sodium carbonate is also known as washing soda.
  8. Q: What is the role of water in making detergents? A: Water is used to mix and dissolve the ingredients.
  9. Q: Why is a coloring agent added to detergents? A: A coloring agent is added to give the detergent an appealing color.
  10. Q: What is the first step in making detergents? A: The first step is to measure the required ingredients.
  11. Q: What type of detergent is best for washing clothes? A: Both powder and liquid detergents can be used, depending on preference.
  12. Q: How long does it take for homemade detergent to set? A: It usually takes a few hours to set properly.
  13. Q: Can we use homemade detergents immediately after making them? A: Yes, once the detergent has set, it can be used immediately.
  14. Q: What should we do if the detergent is too thick? A: Add a little more water and mix thoroughly.
  15. Q: Is it safe to make detergents at home? A: Yes, as long as proper safety measures are followed.

Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic on tools and agents for cleaning the home.

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic, explaining what detergents are and their importance in daily cleaning activities.

Step 3: The teacher demonstrates the process of making a simple detergent using common household ingredients. Pupils are encouraged to observe and ask questions.


Teacher’s Activities

  • Explain the definition and types of detergents.
  • Demonstrate the process of making a simple detergent.
  • Guide pupils in understanding each step of the detergent-making process.

Learners’ Activities

  • Participate in the discussion about detergents.
  • Observe the detergent-making demonstration.
  • Ask questions to clarify their understanding of the process.

Assessment

  • Explain what detergents are.
  • Describe the process of making detergents.
  • List the ingredients used in making detergents.

Ten Evaluation Questions

  1. What is a detergent used for?
  2. Name the two types of detergents.
  3. What ingredient is added to control the thickness of a detergent?
  4. Describe the first step in making a detergent.
  5. What is the purpose of adding fragrance to a detergent?
  6. What is sodium carbonate also known as?
  7. How is water used in making detergents?
  8. Why is a coloring agent important in detergents?
  9. Can detergents be used for cleaning clothes?
  10. How can you make a detergent at home?

Conclusion

The teacher supervises the pupils as they attempt to describe the process of making detergents. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the importance of knowing how to make household cleaning agents.


Learn the simple steps to make your own detergents at home. This Home Economics lesson for Primary 6 covers everything from ingredients to the process of detergent making.

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