Growing Plants Basic Science Primary 4 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Lesson Plan: Growing Plants – Soil Preparation, Planting, and Nurturing

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Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Class: Basic 4 / Year 4 / Primary 4
Term: Second Term
Week: Week 3
Age: 9-10 years
Topic: Growing of Plants: Soil Preparation and Planting and Nurturing of Plants
Sub-Topic: Gardening Tools and Conditions for Growing Crops
Duration: 40 minutes

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Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Mention the conditions that are necessary for the germination of crops.
2. Name the various tools required for cultivating crops.
3. Provide examples of gardening tools.

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Keywords

• Soil Preparation
• Gardening Tools
• Conditions for Germination
• Watering Can
• Cutlass
• Hoe
• Spade
• Rake
• Wheelbarrow

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Set Induction

Start by showing a picture of a beautiful garden or a farm with flourishing crops. Ask students, “What do you think is necessary for plants to grow well?” This question will engage students and introduce them to the importance of tools and conditions for plant growth.

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Entry Behaviour

The pupils have previously learned about soil components in the last lesson. This background knowledge will help them understand the role of soil preparation in the growth of plants.

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Learning Resources and Materials

• Wall charts depicting various gardening tools
• Pictures of gardens and tools
• Flashcards
• Online videos on soil preparation and planting techniques

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Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

The pupils already know the components of soil. Now, they will link this prior knowledge to the next steps required for growing plants effectively. The understanding of soil components helps them grasp the concept of soil preparation for plant growth.

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Embedded Core Skills

• Critical Thinking: Identifying the right tools and conditions for planting.
• Problem Solving: Understanding how to nurture plants properly.
• Communication: Sharing ideas and discussing examples of gardening tools and conditions needed for plant growth.

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Learning Materials

• Gardening Tools (Watering Can, Cutlass, Hoe, Spade, Rake, Wheelbarrow)
• Flashcards and pictures of these tools
• A video on soil preparation and planting techniques

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Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• 9 Year Basic Education Curriculum
• Science Textbooks
• Workbooks

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Instructional Materials

• Wall charts
• Pictures of gardening tools
• Flashcards showing various farming tools
• Related online video

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Content

Growing of Plants: Growing plants involves the steps necessary to take care of a young seedling and help it develop into a fully grown plant. These steps include soil preparation, planting, and nurturing.

Gardening Tools:
Gardening tools are essential for helping gardeners or farmers carry out tasks like planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting. Here are some examples of gardening tools and their uses:

1. Watering Can: Used to water plants and apply liquid fertilizers. It has a handle, a tank, and a spout with perforated metal (rose) for even water distribution.
2. Cutlass: A flat, long blade used for clearing bushes, harvesting crops, and transplanting seedlings.
3. Hoe: Used for tilling the soil, weeding, and harvesting crops like cassava, yams, and sweet potatoes.
4. Spade: A tool used for digging, leveling the ground, making ridges, and transplanting seedlings.
5. Rake: A tool used to spread soil evenly, remove stones and weeds, and break soil lumps into smaller pieces.
6. Wheelbarrow: Used for transporting farm inputs and outputs such as seeds, fertilizer, and harvested crops.

Conditions for Growing Crops:
For successful germination and plant growth, the following conditions are necessary:

• Good Seed: Only healthy and viable seeds should be planted.
• Water: Plants need water to transport nutrients.
• Air: Plants need carbon dioxide from the air for photosynthesis.
• Nutrients: Essential minerals like phosphorus aid in flower and root formation.
• Sunlight: Necessary for photosynthesis, the process by which plants make their food.
• Good Soil: Provides the necessary nutrients and support for plant growth.

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Evaluation

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:

1. The first step in growing plants is ___________.
   a) Planting
   b) Nurturing
   c) Soil preparation
   d) Watering
2. _________ is made of natural materials like fruit scraps and leaves.
   a) Fertilizer
   b) Compost
   c) Soil
   d) Manure
3. ___________ is used to water plants in the garden.
   a) Hoe
   b) Spade
   c) Watering can
   d) Wheelbarrow
4. ___________ is used for clearing bushes and harvesting crops like sugar cane and cassava.
   a) Cutlass
   b) Rake
   c) Spade
   d) Hoe
5. Plants need ___________ to produce their own food.
   a) Water
   b) Sunlight
   c) Nutrients
   d) All of the above
6. The ___________ is used for spreading soil evenly after hoeing.
   a) Cutlass
   b) Hoe
   c) Rake
   d) Wheelbarrow
7. A ___________ is used to transport farm inputs like seeds and fertilizer.
   a) Hoe
   b) Rake
   c) Wheelbarrow
   d) Spade
8. Plants need ___________ to survive and grow.
   a) Pests
   b) Sunlight
   c) Shade
   d) Chemicals
9. A ___________ helps make ridges and mounds in the soil.
   a) Hoe
   b) Spade
   c) Watering can
   d) Wheelbarrow
10. ___________ is used to mix cement and concrete for farm structures.
    a) Hoe
    b) Rake
    c) Spade
    d) Cutlass

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Class Activity Discussion

 

1. What are gardening tools?
   Gardening tools are tools used to make farming or gardening easier, such as watering cans, hoes, and spades.
2. Why is soil preparation important?
   Soil preparation ensures the soil is healthy and has the nutrients plants need to grow.
3. What is the first step in growing plants?
   The first step is soil preparation, which involves making the soil ready for planting.
4. What does compost do for the soil?
   Compost enriches the soil by adding nutrients and improving its structure.
5. What is the role of water in plant growth?
   Water helps transport nutrients to the plant and keeps it hydrated.
6. What do plants need besides water?
   Plants need sunlight, air, nutrients, and good soil to grow.
7. Why is the cutlass important in farming?
   The cutlass is used for clearing land, harvesting crops, and planting seeds.
8. How do plants get nutrients?
   Plants absorb nutrients from the soil, especially with the help of water.
9. What does a hoe do in farming?
   A hoe is used for tilling the soil, weeding, and harvesting crops.
10. What is photosynthesis?
    Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make their food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
11. How does a rake help in farming?
    A rake is used to remove stones, weeds, and break soil lumps.
12. What should you do if your plant is not growing well?
    You should check for pests, ensure it gets enough water, and see if it has enough sunlight.
13. Why is air important for plants?
    Air provides carbon dioxide, which plants need for photosynthesis.
14. How can a wheelbarrow help in farming?
    It helps transport tools, seeds, and harvested crops.
15. Why is good soil necessary for plant growth?
    Good soil provides the necessary nutrients, support, and space for plant roots.

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Teacher’s Activities

• The teacher revises the previous lesson on soil components.
• The teacher introduces the new topic by discussing the importance of gardening tools and conditions needed for plant growth.
• The teacher asks questions to the class and encourages participation.

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Learners’ Activities

• The students will answer the teacher’s questions.
• They will discuss gardening tools and conditions needed for plant growth in groups.
• They will participate in the evaluation exercise.

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Assessment (Evaluation Questions)

1. Mention four conditions necessary for plant growth.
2. Name four gardening tools.
3. Name two uses of a cutlass.
4. Name two uses of a hoe.
5. Define soil.
6. What is photosynthesis?
7. Explain four uses of soil.

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Conclusion

The teacher wraps up the lesson by summarizing key points about gardening tools and the conditions necessary for plant growth. The teacher checks that students have written their notes and provides feedback where necessary.

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SEO Elements

Captivating Title: How to Grow Plants: Soil Preparation and Gardening Tools
Focus Keyphrase: Growing Plants
SEO Title: Learn How to Grow Plants: Soil Preparation and Gardening Tools
Slug: growing-plants-soil-preparation
Meta Description: Learn about soil preparation, gardening tools, and conditions needed to grow healthy plants. Ideal for young learners!

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Assignment

1. ___________ is the first step in growing plants.
2. ___________ is a natural material added to soil to make it healthy.
3. ___________ is a substance that provides plants with nutrients.
4. ___________ is the second step in growing plants.
5. When planting a seed or plant, we need to make sure it is planted at the right ___________.

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This lesson plan has been structured to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the growing process and to engage the pupils with interactive discussions and assessments.

 

Assignment 

• Mention four conditions that are necessary for plant growth
• Mention four gardening tools
• Mention two uses of a cutlass
• Mention two uses of hoe
• Define soil  .
• What is photosynthesis
• Explain four uses of soil .

 

 

Homework

1. ______________ is the first step in growing plants.
2. ______________ is a natural material that is added to soil to make it healthy for plants.
3. ______________ is a substance that provides plants with the nutrients they need to grow.
4. ______________ is the second step in growing plants.
5. When planting a seed or a small plant, we need to make sure we put it at the right ______________ and give it enough water to help it grow.
6. ______________ is the third step in growing plants.
7. When nurturing a plant, we need to make sure it gets enough ______________, sunlight, and nutrients.
8. We also need to protect the plant from ______________ and diseases that can harm it.
9. Checking the plant regularly and taking action if we see any problems is important to keep the plant ______________.
10. Growing plants helps provide us with ______________ and make our environment a better place