Materials and Tools for Horticulture Practices

Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: Primary 4
Term: Second Term
Week: Week 9
Age: 9 – 10 years
Topic: Materials and Tools Needed for Horticulture Practices
Sub-topic: Understanding Common Materials and Tools Used in Horticulture
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

• Identify common materials and tools used in horticulture practices.
• Understand the purpose of each material and tool in horticulture.
• Explain the proper use and safety precautions for each material and tool in horticulture.

Keywords

• Soil
• Fertilizer
• Mulch
• Trowel
• Pruning Shears
• Watering Can
• Garden Gloves
• Garden Fork
• Rake
• Hoe
• Wheelbarrow

Set Induction

The teacher will begin by asking students if they have ever helped in planting a garden or working with plants. This will be followed by a discussion on how important the right materials and tools are in horticulture practices. The teacher will then ask students to share any tools or materials they know that are used in gardening.

Entry Behavior

The students should have basic knowledge of the concept of gardening and how plants grow. They should be able to recall from previous lessons that horticulture involves the cultivation of plants.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Soil
• Fertilizer
• Mulch
• Trowel
• Pruning Shears
• Watering Can
• Garden Gloves
• Garden Fork
• Rake
• Hoe
• Wheelbarrow

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students previously learned about horticulture activities in agriculture. This lesson connects to that knowledge by focusing on the materials and tools required to carry out horticulture practices effectively.

Embedded Core Skills

• Communication and Collaboration: Students will work together to identify tools and materials.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: They will understand why each tool and material is needed in gardening.
• Leadership and Personal Development: Students will take turns demonstrating tools and explaining their uses.
• Creativity and Imagination: Students will think about different ways of using the tools and materials in their garden.
• Citizenship: Students will learn the importance of proper care for plants, which is a responsibility toward nature.

Learning Materials

• Samples of soil (e.g., sandy, clay, loamy)
• Bags of fertilizer (e.g., compost, manure)
• Mulch (e.g., leaves, straw)
• Various tools: trowel, pruning shears, watering can, garden gloves, garden fork, rake, hoe, wheelbarrow

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Agricultural Science
• Practical Gardening Techniques by T. O. Olugbade
• Agriculture for Schools: A Practical Guide for Teachers by F. A. Aliyu

Instructional Materials

• Charts or posters displaying horticulture tools and materials
• Real-life examples of tools such as trowels, gloves, etc.
• Pictures of various types of soil
• Sample plants or seeds

Content Development

Materials Used in Horticulture

1. Soil:
   Soil is the foundation where plants grow. Different types of soil are needed depending on the plants being grown. For instance, some plants prefer sandy soil, while others prefer clay or loamy soil.
2. Fertilizer:
   Fertilizer is used to nourish plants and promote healthy growth. It can be made from organic sources like compost or manure, or synthetic fertilizers produced in laboratories.
3. Mulch:
   Mulch is a protective layer placed over the soil. It helps conserve moisture, prevents weed growth, and protects the roots from extreme temperatures. Mulch can be made from organic materials like straw, leaves, or wood chips.

Tools Used in Horticulture

1. Trowel:
   A small, handheld tool used to dig small holes in the soil for planting seeds or seedlings.
2. Pruning Shears:
   These are used to trim and shape plants, cutting off dead or damaged parts.
3. Watering Can:
   A container used to water plants. It has a spout that allows for easy pouring of water to the plants.
4. Garden Gloves:
   Worn to protect hands from dirt, cuts, and thorns while handling plants and soil.
5. Garden Fork:
   A tool with curved tines used to loosen soil and remove weeds.
6. Rake:
   Used to gather leaves, twigs, or debris from the soil. It helps keep the garden clean and ready for planting.
7. Hoe:
   A long-handled tool used for breaking up soil and removing weeds. It is commonly used for preparing garden beds.
8. Wheelbarrow:
   A one-wheeled cart used to transport soil, mulch, or other materials around the garden.

Applications of Materials and Tools

• Soil: Used to plant and grow various crops, each type of soil has its benefits.
• Fertilizer: Supplies nutrients essential for healthy plant growth.
• Mulch: Helps retain water, reduces weeds, and protects soil quality.
• Tools: Help perform various tasks such as digging, watering, and maintaining the garden effectively.

Evaluation

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (Options: a, b, c, d)

1. __________ is used as a medium for growing plants.
   a) Water
   b) Soil
   c) Sand
   d) Mulch
2. __________ is a type of plant food that helps plants grow.
   a) Fertilizer
   b) Soil
   c) Water
   d) Mulch
3. __________ is used to remove weeds from the soil.
   a) Trowel
   b) Hoe
   c) Wheelbarrow
   d) Pruning Shears
4. __________ is used to carry materials like soil and mulch around the garden.
   a) Watering Can
   b) Wheelbarrow
   c) Rake
   d) Trowel
5. __________ is a tool used for trimming plants.
   a) Pruning Shears
   b) Garden Fork
   c) Rake
   d) Hoe
6. __________ is placed on the soil to help retain moisture.
   a) Mulch
   b) Soil
   c) Fertilizer
   d) Compost
7. __________ is used to dig small holes in the soil.
   a) Rake
   b) Hoe
   c) Trowel
   d) Garden Fork
8. __________ is worn to protect the hands from dirt and scratches.
   a) Gloves
   b) Shoes
   c) Hat
   d) Apron
9. __________ helps to remove debris such as leaves and twigs.
   a) Hoe
   b) Rake
   c) Trowel
   d) Wheelbarrow
10. __________ is used to water plants by pouring water on them.
    a) Trowel
    b) Watering Can
    c) Garden Fork
    d) Hoe

Class Activity Discussion

FAQs with Answers

1. What is the purpose of fertilizer in horticulture?
   Fertilizer helps plants grow by providing essential nutrients that the soil may lack.
2. Why is mulch important?
   Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, prevents weeds, and protects plant roots from heat or cold.
3. What is the difference between sandy soil and clay soil?
   Sandy soil drains quickly, while clay soil holds water for longer periods.
4. How do you use a watering can?
   You fill the watering can with water and pour it over plants to ensure they get the moisture they need.
5. Why do gardeners wear gloves?
   Gloves protect the hands from dirt, cuts, and thorns while working with plants.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the teacher will revisit the key points: the materials and tools needed for horticulture and their uses. The students will be reminded of the importance of using the right tools and materials to grow healthy plants. The teacher will encourage students to explore gardening at home or in the school garden, emphasizing its importance in maintaining a healthy environment.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed through their participation in the class discussion and their ability to identify and explain the purpose of the various materials and tools used in horticulture.

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