Class: Primary 4
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 8
Age: 9 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: Pre-Vocational Studies
Curriculum Theme: Agricultural Science
Previous Lesson: Ways Of Maintaining Soil Fertility: Fertilizer
Topic: Maintaining Soil Fertility: Mulching
Content: Meaning of Mulching

Performance Objectives:

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

Cognitive domain: Define mulching and explain its importance in maintaining soil fertility.
Affective domain: Appreciate the role of mulching in protecting the soil and preventing erosion.
Psychomotor domain: Demonstrate how to apply mulching materials in a small garden or farm.
Social domain: Discuss the benefits of mulching in groups, sharing ideas on how it can help improve soil quality.

Reference Materials:

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of work
NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
Online Information from: RHS – Mulches and mulching
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials:

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Pictures or samples of mulching materials (e.g., leaves, straw, grass)
A small garden or plot of land for demonstration
A whiteboard and markers
Pre-recorded video or images showing mulching techniques

Rationale for the Lesson:

Understanding mulching is essential for maintaining soil fertility. Mulching helps in retaining moisture, controlling weeds, and preventing erosion, which are critical for healthy plant growth. By learning about mulching, pupils can apply these techniques in gardening or farming, contributing to better crop yield and environmental conservation.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge:

Pupils should already know basic concepts of soil fertility and how it affects plant growth. They might have also encountered fertilizers as one of the methods to maintain soil fertility.

Instructional Procedures:

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Content Development	Time	Teaching Method	Teaching Strategy	Teacher’s Activity	Pupil’s Activity	Learning Point
Step 1: Introduction	5 min	Set Induction	Discussion and Questioning	Start by asking, “Why is it important to keep soil healthy?”	Pupils will listen and answer questions.	The importance of maintaining soil fertility.
Step 2: Explaining Mulching	10 min	Direct Instruction	Explanation using visual aids	Introduce mulching and explain its meaning.	Pupils will listen and take notes.	Mulching as a method to maintain soil fertility.
Step 3: Discussing Mulching Materials	8 min	Demonstration/Explanation	Hands-on demonstration	Show examples of mulching materials like leaves, straw, and grass.	Pupils will observe and ask questions.	The different types of mulching materials and their uses.
Step 4: Application in the Garden	7 min	Practical Activity	Guided practice	Demonstrate how to apply mulch to soil in the garden.	Pupils will practice applying mulch in a small area.	How to properly apply mulching materials to soil.
Step 5: Group Discussion	5 min	Group Work	Collaborative discussion	Let pupils discuss the benefits of mulching in small groups.	Pupils will discuss in groups and share ideas.	Benefits of mulching in soil fertility and crop production.
Step 6: Note Taking	3 min	Independent Work	Writing	Give time for pupils to write down key points.	Pupils will write down the lesson content.	Understanding the key points on mulching.
Step 7: Evaluation and Conclusion	2 min	Review and Recap	Questioning and Summary	Summarize the lesson and ask questions.	Pupils will answer and discuss the recap questions.	Summarize mulching and its importance.

Lesson Content:

Maintaining Soil Fertility: Mulching

Mulching is a method of covering the soil with materials that help maintain soil fertility. It helps to keep the soil moist, prevent weed growth, and improve the overall health of the soil.

Mulching materials and their applications:

Grass: Used to cover the soil and prevent weed growth. It also retains moisture and decomposes over time to add nutrients to the soil.
Straw: Acts as an insulator, keeping the soil warm during cold weather and cool during hot weather. It is great for moisture retention.
Leaves: Fallen leaves can be used as mulch to provide nutrients to the soil as they decompose. They are also great at retaining moisture.
Wood Chips: Often used in gardens, these help to suppress weeds and improve soil structure.
Plastic Sheets: Sometimes used in larger farming areas, plastic mulches prevent weed growth and conserve moisture.

Lesson Evaluation:

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

Define mulching.

List at least three mulching materials.
Explain how mulching helps maintain soil fertility.
Discuss the benefits of using grass as mulch.
Demonstrate how to apply mulch to soil.

Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan:

Make sure to use clear visual aids, such as real examples of mulching materials, to engage pupils better. Also, encourage group discussions to help pupils share their ideas and learn from each other. Happy teaching!

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Maintaining Soil Fertility: Mulching (Primary 4)