Agricultural Science Analyzing Soil Properties to Determine Agricultural Usage

Subject: Agricultural Science Class: 5 th Form Agriculture Students Topic: Analysing Soil Properties to determine Agricultural Usage Time: 90 minutes Problem: Students are not able to effectively process information and use it to create solutions to problems.

Relative Advantage 1. Acquiring a ‘hands-on’ approach in testing soil samples 2. Using internet sources to acquire ideas to solve their problems 3.Encourage collaboration and communication 4. Develop problem solving skills

Pre Knowledge Student have already done basic testing of soil properties. They aware of the acceptable pH levels in soil Student know how to surf the internet and are comfortable with you tube.

Objectives. To test the pH of the soil samples. To determine which soil sample is not suitable for agriculture. To justify their selection To suggest solutions to the pH problems in the sample. Create a list of recommendations to farmers with pH problems.

Technology Integration Step One: Students will be shown the you tube video as a set induction Step Two: brief discussion on the Video Step Three: Student will be form groups of four or five Step Four : Teacher will display the Problem Solving Process Step Five: Teacher will distribute soil samples to the various groups Step Six: Students will test samples and report on pH Step Seven: Identify the Acidic Soil Step Eight: Use bookmarked pages to gather ideas for solution Step Nine: Decide on solution Step Ten: Make recommendations for farmers and present to class.

Preparation of instructional environment Pre-load videos to be used from You Tube Create a bookmark of information to be used by students Wireless internet, four laptops, multimedia projector Testing Kit Find suitable rubric for collaborative problem solving online.

Problem Solving Process

Assessment Using rubric for assessing collaborative problem solving work. Rubric for presenting a recommendation to the class. Essay question on soil properties and farming.

Reflection Students and teacher will reflect on the process of problems solving in groups. Reflect on process of gathering information to find solutions.