First Term Lesson Note for Week Nine
Class : Primary Two
Subject : Basic Science
Topic : Soil particles and properties
Duration : 40 Minutes
Period : Single Period
Reference Book :
Stan Basic Science and Technology for Primary Schools, Book 2.
Lagos State Unified schemes of work for lower Primary, (Primary 1 – 3).
Online Resources
Instructional Material : Chart showing the properties of each type of soil.
Learning Objectives : By the end of the lesson learners will be able to :
i. Identify the particles in the soil.
ii. State properties of each type of soil.
Content :
Properties of soil
The properties of the soil are the things in which the soil contains. These are :
- Soil particle size
- Soil texture
- Soil colour
Soil particle size :
Sandy soil is made up of large particles with large air spaces. The particles are loosely packed which makes them light. Sandy soil has low water retaining capacity.
Clayey soil is made up of tiny particles. It has little air space. The particles are packed closely and it is heavy. Clayey soil can hold or retain water.
Loamy soil has medium particles. It is a mixture of sand, clay and humus. Humus is dead plant and animal remains in the soil. It is moderate in retaining water.
Soil texture :
The texture of sand soil is rough and coarse. Sandy soil contains grains or tiny stones.
Clayey soil is smooth and sticky. It can be used to mould objects such as cup, plate and make animal portrait.
Loamy soil is moderate and the best soil for planting.
Soil colour :
Sandy soil is reddish brown in colour.
Clayey soil is reddish in colour.
Loamy soil is dark brown in colour. This is because it contains mixture of dead plants and animals remains.
Particles of soil :
The soil is made up of different particles which are :
- Water
- Air
- Living organisms
- Dead remains of plants and animals.
Differences between Sandy and Clayey soil.
| Sandy soil | Clayey soil |
| Large particles | Tiny particles |
| Large air spaces | Little air spaces |
| Does not hold water | Holds water |
| Not sticky when wet | Sticky when wet |
| Cannot be used for molding objects | Can be used to mould objects. |
| Very hard (coarse) | Very smooth |
| Reddish brown in colour | Red in colour |
Presentation Steps :
Step 1 : Revision of the previous lesson with the learners by asking them questions orally.
Step 2 : The teacher introduces the new topic by identifying the properties of soil
Step 3 : He/ she then explains each of the properties of the soil and compares them.
Step 4 : Identify the particles found in the soil.
Evaluation :
1. Mention three properties of soil :
i. ___________________________
ii. __________________________
iii. __________________________
2. Which soil is smooth and sticky? (a) Sandy soil (b) Clayey soil (c) Loamy soil
3. ____________ is the soil which is dark brown in colour. (a) Loamy soil (b) Sandy soil (c) Clayey soil
4. ____________ soil can hold water very well. (a) Sandy soil (b) Loamy soil (c) Clayey soil
5. The best soil for planting is ___________. (a) Sandy (b) Loamy (c) Clayey
6. List three particles found in the soil :
____________, ____________ and ____________
Conclusion : At the end of the lesson learners were able to answer the questions correctly. The teacher makes necessary corrections as he/ she marks their notebooks.