Topic: Chemistry of the Environment – Fertilisers
Lesson 1: Types of Fertilisers
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | – State that ammonium salts and nitrates are used as fertilisers.- Explain their importance in plant growth. |
| Activities | – Starter (5 mins): Show a bag of fertiliser (or image) and ask: “Why do farmers use fertilisers?”- Main (25 mins): 1. Define fertilisers as substances that provide essential nutrients to plants. 2. Discuss ammonium salts and nitrates as common fertilisers. – Ammonium salts: Provide nitrogen essential for plant growth. – Nitrates: Supply nitrogen in a soluble form, readily absorbed by plants. 3. Explain the role of nitrogen in forming proteins and promoting healthy plant growth.- Plenary (10 mins): Students complete a worksheet matching types of fertilisers to their functions. |
| Resources | Samples or images of fertilisers, worksheets, periodic table. |
| Time | 40 minutes total: 5 mins (Starter) + 25 mins (Main) + 10 mins (Plenary). |
| Homework | Research and write about one ammonium salt or nitrate used as a fertiliser, including its benefits and potential drawbacks. |
| Assessment | Worksheet: Identify and describe the functions of ammonium salts and nitrates as fertilisers. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Chemistry 0620/41/M/J/19 Q3(a) – Importance of ammonium salts and nitrates in fertilisers. |
Lesson 2: NPK Fertilisers and Plant Growth
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | Describe the use of NPK fertilisers to provide nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for improved plant growth. |
| Activities | – Starter (5 mins): Show a label from an NPK fertiliser and ask: “What do N, P, and K stand for?”- Main (25 mins): 1. Define NPK fertilisers and explain their components: – Nitrogen (N): Promotes leaf and stem growth. – Phosphorus (P): Supports root development and flowering. – Potassium (K): Improves disease resistance and overall plant health. 2. Discuss how NPK fertilisers are tailored for different crops and soil conditions. 3. Show examples of NPK ratios (e.g., 10-20-10) and explain their significance.- Plenary (10 mins): Students create a chart summarizing the roles of N, P, and K in plant growth. |
| Resources | NPK fertiliser samples or images, worksheets, periodic table. |
| Time | 40 minutes total: 5 mins (Starter) + 25 mins (Main) + 10 mins (Plenary). |
| Homework | Write a paragraph explaining how NPK fertilisers benefit farmers and improve crop yields. |
| Assessment | Worksheet: Match the elements nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to their roles in plant growth. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Chemistry 0620/41/O/N/20 Q3(b) – Importance of NPK fertilisers in agriculture. |
Key Notes for Students:
- Ammonium Salts and Nitrates:
- Commonly used as fertilisers to provide nitrogen.
- Nitrogen is crucial for protein synthesis and plant growth.
- NPK Fertilisers:
- Nitrogen (N): Encourages healthy leaf and stem growth.
- Phosphorus (P): Supports strong root systems and flowering.
- Potassium (K): Boosts plant immunity and overall health.
- Importance of Fertilisers:
- Improve soil fertility.
- Increase crop yield and quality.
- Essential for sustainable agriculture.
Notes for Teachers:
- Use real-life examples of fertilisers and their applications to make the lesson relatable.
- Encourage discussions about sustainable use of fertilisers and potential environmental impacts (e.g., eutrophication).
- Provide opportunities for students to analyze and interpret fertiliser labels to understand NPK ratios.
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