Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Soil: Main Types

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The objectives stage is essential for directing and focusing students' learning. By clearly establishing what is expected for students to learn, they can better prepare for practical classroom activities. This stage also serves to align the expectations of the teacher and students, ensuring that time in the classroom is used effectively and directed towards the development of specific competencies related to the study of soils.

Main Objectives:

1. Empower students to identify and describe the main types of soil, including sandy soil, clay soil, silty soil, and loam, highlighting their physical and chemical characteristics.

2. Encourage understanding of soil compositions, addressing the presence of organic matter, minerals, and gases, and how these components influence fertility and agricultural use.

Side Objectives:

1. Develop critical analysis skills by comparing different types of soil and their properties.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The introduction serves to engage students and connect previously acquired knowledge with practical and real situations. By presenting problem situations, students' curiosity and critical thinking are stimulated, preparing them to apply soil type concepts in practical and meaningful ways. The contextualization helps to perceive the relevance of studying soils in everyday life and in solving environmental, agricultural, and urban problems.

Problem-Based Situations

1. Imagine you are a farmer in an area where the soil is predominantly sandy. What would be the main challenges you would face in terms of cultivation? Discuss how you could improve the soil to make it more fertile.

2. In a city with increasing urbanization, many green areas are being replaced by constructions. How can the alteration of soil type (from natural to compacted) affect water runoff during rainy periods? What could be the possible environmental consequences?

Contextualization

Soils are the foundation for sustaining plant life and, consequently, animal and human life. Additionally, the characteristics of the soil directly influence a region's ability to produce food and manage water resources. For example, the process of desertification, which is directly related to the type of use and management of the soil, can transform fertile areas into deserts, causing significant socioeconomic impacts. Understanding such contexts and challenges is crucial for making informed decisions in agricultural practices, urban planning, and environmental conservation.

Development

Duration: (75 - 80 minutes)

The development stage is designed for students to practically and meaningfully apply the knowledge gained about different types of soil. Through playful and contextualized activities, they will have the opportunity to explore, experiment, and analyze the properties of soils, reinforcing learning and developing skills of critical observation and problem-solving. The proposed activities also aim to foster teamwork and effective communication among students.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - Expedition to the Botanical Garden

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Identify and describe different types of soil through practical observations and sample collection.

- Description: Students will be divided into groups of up to 5 people, and each group will simulate an expedition to a botanical garden. The goal is to collect soil samples from different areas of the garden for analysis. Each group will receive a collection kit containing tools such as shovels, gloves, and sample bags. They should collect samples of sandy soil, clay soil, silty soil, and loam, and note their observations on the appearance, texture, and color of each type of soil.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Explain the characteristics of each type of soil that they should look for.

• Distribute the collection kits to each group.

• Guide students to collect samples from at least 4 different areas of the simulated botanical garden.

• Ask them to note the observations for each sample, focusing on texture, color, and appearance.

• Each group should prepare a brief presentation of the results for the class.

Activity 2 - Ecosystem Builders

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Apply knowledge about soil types and their properties to create an environment conducive to plant growth.

- Description: In this activity, students will design and build mini-ecosystems in transparent containers, using different types of soil. Each group will receive seeds of common plants and must choose the most suitable type of soil for the growth of each plant. They can also add elements such as stones, moss, and small pieces of wood to simulate a more natural environment.

- Instructions:

• Organize students into groups of up to 5.

• Distribute the necessary materials: transparent containers, different types of soil, plant seeds, stones, moss, and small pieces of wood.

• Explain the properties of each type of soil and the needs of the plants.

• Guide the groups in choosing the type of soil for each plant.

• Supervise the construction of the mini-ecosystems.

• Ask each group to explain their choices and the design of their ecosystem.

Activity 3 - The Fertility Challenge

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Develop practical application skills of knowledge about soil types in agricultural decision-making.

- Description: Students, in groups, will take on the role of agricultural consultants. They will receive information about a fictional farm, including details about the soil composition in different areas and the types of crops the farmer wants to plant. The challenge is to recommend the type of crop and the most suitable soil management practices for each area, based on the physical and chemical characteristics of the soils.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Present the farm scenario and information about the soil and desired crops.

• Provide reference material on the types of crops and their soil needs.

• Guide students in analyzing the characteristics of the soil and selecting crops for each area.

• Each group should prepare a report of recommendations, including justifications based on soil properties.

• Each group will present their recommendations to the class.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

This feedback stage is crucial for consolidating students' learning, allowing them to articulate the knowledge acquired and reflect on the practical activities carried out. Through group discussion, students have the opportunity to verbalize and share their findings, which not only reinforces individual understanding but also promotes a broader collective understanding. Additionally, by answering key questions, students are challenged to apply knowledge in various scenarios, stimulating critical thinking and contextualization skills.

Group Discussion

At the end of the activities, gather all students for a group discussion. Start the discussion with a brief introduction, highlighting the importance of sharing the discoveries and experiences of each group. Encourage each group to present a summary of their findings, emphasizing the most interesting observations and lessons learned. Use this moment for students to question and learn from each other, promoting an environment of knowledge and experience exchange.

Key Questions

1. What were the main differences you observed between the different types of soil during the activities?

2. How can the properties of the soil you observed affect plant growth and agricultural management?

3. Is there any practical application of what you learned that could be relevant in other areas, such as urban planning or environmental conservation?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The conclusion stage is essential for consolidating learning, ensuring students have a clear and integrated understanding of the topics discussed. Summarizing content helps reinforce memory and clarity for students, while the connection between theory and practice and discussion on the relevance of the topic reinforce the applicability of knowledge. This moment also serves to emphasize the importance of studying soils and their practical implications, preparing students for future applications of the knowledge acquired.

Summary

In the conclusion, the teacher should summarize and recap the main types of soil covered in the lesson (sandy, clay, silty, and loam), highlighting their physical and chemical characteristics. The observations and conclusions of the practical activities should be emphasized, reinforcing the learnings about the importance of organic matter, minerals, and gases in soils.

Theory Connection

Today's lesson connected theory and practice by allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge about soil types in practical situations, such as sample collection in a simulated botanical garden and the construction of mini-ecosystems. This approach helped solidify students' understanding of how the properties of soil directly influence agriculture and the environment.

Closing

Finally, it is crucial to highlight the relevance of studying soils in everyday life, whether in agriculture for food production, in water resource management, or in urban planning. Understanding and differentiating between soil types enables students to make informed decisions in various situations, which is essential for developing responsible and aware citizens.