OBJECTIVE

Students will identify primary, secondary, and micronutrients essential for plant growth. Students will understand how deficiencies in plant nutrients affect plant health.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

What nutrients are essential to plant growth?

MATERIALS

• Plant Nutrient Cards
• Activity guide worksheet for each student
• Soil sample bags (1 per area tested)
• Buckets for soil collection
• Trowels (2 per group is ideal)
• Newspaper (for drying moist soil)
• Projector (optional, for demonstrating soil sample bag completion)
• Access to UGA soil testing resources (links provided)

PROCEDURE

Part 1: Introduction & Interest Approach (15 minutes)

1. Discussion:
   • Ask students why it’s important to eat healthily, emphasizing vitamins and minerals in food.
   • Relate human nutrient deficiencies (e.g., calcium for bones, iron for anemia) to plant nutrient deficiencies.
   • Highlight that plants need specific nutrients for growth and explain the categories:
     • Primary nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K)
     • Secondary nutrients: Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sulfur (S)
     • Micronutrients: Boron (B), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), etc.

Part 2: Nutrient Matching Game (30 minutes)

Objective: Reinforce understanding of primary, secondary, and micronutrients through a group activity.

1. Setup:
   • Attach one nutrient element (from the activity pages) to each student’s back.
   • Ensure students cannot see their own labels.
2. Activity Instructions:
   • Students move around to find others in their nutrient group (e.g., Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium for primary nutrients).
   • Use the periodic table or clues to identify the nutrient.
   • Once grouped, remove the labels and complete the activity guide worksheet.
3. Team-Building Option:
   • To enhance collaboration, students can form groups without using verbal communication.
4. Debrief:
   • Discuss the importance of each nutrient group and how it supports plant growth.

Part 3: Soil Sampling Activity (30-45 minutes)

Objective: Apply knowledge of plant nutrients to collect and prepare soil samples for analysis.

1. Preparation:
   • Review garden behavior expectations.
   • Explain the importance of soil testing for managing garden fertility.
2. Class Demonstration:
   • Use a trowel to dig a 6-inch core sample, ensuring equal parts from all soil layers.
   • Explain why multiple samples and distinct area testing are necessary.
   • Mix samples in a bucket, dry if needed, and prepare the soil sample bag.
3. Class Activity:
   • Divide students into groups and assign specific garden areas (e.g., vegetable beds, herb garden).
   • Groups collect and mix multiple samples from their assigned area.
   • Label and prepare soil samples for submission.
4. Discussion:
   • Highlight tests selected (e.g., standard test, organic material).
   • Project or pass around a completed soil sample bag to teach how to fill it out.

Assessment & Evaluation

• Worksheets: Completed activity guide worksheets demonstrate understanding of nutrients.
• Skills: Observe students’ ability to accurately collect soil samples and apply learned concepts.

Extensions

• Analyze soil test results as a class and plan amendments for the school garden.
• Create posters or presentations on the role of specific nutrients in plant growth.
• Incorporate math by calculating soil amendments based on test results.

Resources

• Soil Testing for Home Lawns and Gardens
• Soil Testing Guide