Class: Primary 4
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 4
Age: 9 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: Pre-Vocational Studies
Curriculum Theme: Agricultural Science
Previous Lesson: Meaning Of Soil Fertility
Topic: Causes Of Soil Fertility Reduction: Burning
Content: Burning

Performance Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain: Explain the concept of soil fertility reduction and how burning causes it.
Affective Domain: Appreciate the importance of maintaining soil fertility.
Psychomotor Domain: Demonstrate how to identify areas affected by burning.
Social Domain: Discuss the effects of burning on soil fertility in groups.

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: Times Agriculture – Causes of Reduction in Soil Fertility and Its Management
Relevant Textbooks.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Diagrams showing soil fertility levels before and after burning.
Samples of soil from burned and unburned areas.
Chart illustrating the effects of burning on soil nutrients.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding the causes of soil fertility reduction helps pupils learn how to preserve soil for farming, which is essential for food production and environmental sustainability.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have learned the meaning of soil fertility and are familiar with basic farming practices.

Instructional Procedures

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

Content Development	Time	Teaching Method	Teaching Strategy	Teacher’s Activity	Pupils’ Activity	Learning Point
Step 1: Introduction	5 mins	Set induction	Question and answer	Asks pupils questions about soil fertility and its importance.	Respond to questions and share ideas.	Soil fertility is crucial for farming and plants.
Step 2: Concept Explanation	10 mins	Discussion	Visual demonstration	Explains the meaning of soil fertility reduction and its causes. Shows diagrams of burned soil.	Observe diagrams and listen attentively.	Burning negatively affects soil fertility.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation	10 mins	Explanation	Guided discovery	Explains how burning reduces soil nutrients using examples.	Take notes and ask questions for clarification.	Burning reduces nutrients like nitrogen in soil.
Step 4: Note-taking	5 mins	Note preparation	Lecture method	Guides pupils to write key points in their notebooks.	Copy the notes neatly.	Pupils understand the key points of the lesson.
Step 5: Group Work	5 mins	Group activity	Collaborative learning	Organizes pupils into groups to discuss the effects of burning on soil.	Discuss and share ideas in groups.	Burning destroys soil structure and fertility.
Step 6: Evaluation	3 mins	Questioning	Reinforcement	Asks pupils questions based on the topic.	Answer questions orally.	Pupils recall and apply learned knowledge.
Step 7: Conclusion	2 mins	Summary	Feedback	Summarizes the topic and reinforces key points.	Listen and ask final questions if needed.	Burning is a major cause of soil fertility loss.

Lesson Content

Causes Of Soil Fertility Reduction: Burning

Soil fertility reduction means the loss of nutrients that help plants grow well. One major cause of this reduction is burning.

Burning Vegetation: When farmers burn grass or trees to clear land, the fire destroys nutrients in the soil, like nitrogen and organic matter.
Loss of Soil Structure: Fire makes the soil hard and unable to absorb water properly.

Erosion Risk: Without nutrients, the soil becomes weak and can be washed away by rain.

This means that burning reduces the soil’s ability to support healthy crops.

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

Explain the meaning of soil fertility reduction.
List three ways burning reduces soil fertility.
Discuss one effect of burning on soil in groups.

Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan

This lesson is designed to engage pupils actively while explaining the impact of burning on soil fertility. Use practical examples and visuals to make the topic relatable and easy to understand. Happy teaching!

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Causes Of Soil Fertility Reduction: Burning (Primary 4)