cac agricultural science teacher's manual

SECONDARY ENTRANCE ASSESSMENTPRIMARY LEVEL - STANDARD FOUR

Agricultural ScienceAgricultural Science

CACContinuous Assessment Component

TEACHER’S MANUAL

2014/2015




TEACHER’S MANUAL




TEACHER’S MANUAL

2014/2015

INTRODUCTION / OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................. 4

The Rationale for Agricultural Science in the Primary School Curriculum ............................ 4

Continuous Assessment Component (CAC) of the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) Agricultural Science Activity .............................................................................................................. 5

STUDENT ACTIVITY .............................................................................................................................. 5

ACTIVITY: ............................................................................................................................................ 5

OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................................................ 5

GROWING CROPS IN THE SWGB ......................................................................................................... 5

SETTING UP THE CONTAINERS FOR CONDUCTING THE CAC ACTIVITY ...................................... 6

Getting Started ................................................................................................................................. 6

Selection of a site and placement of the containers .................................................................. 6

Preparation of the SWGB for planting a crop .............................................................................. 8

Filling the SWGB with the growing medium ............................................................................... 9

Sowing the seeds ............................................................................................................................ 10

Re-using the growing medium .................................................................................................... 10

Thinning out the seedlings ........................................................................................................... 12

Fertilizer Application ..................................................................................................................... 13

Control of pests in ochro ............................................................................................................... 14

Control of diseases in ochro ......................................................................................................... 15

Harvesting ........................................................................................................................................ 16

Control of diseases in ochro ......................................................................................................... 17

Upon Completion of the Project .................................................................................................. 18

DATA COLLECTION ............................................................................................................................. 20

Data Collection Instrument: ......................................................................................................... 20

The Skills to be Assessed ............................................................................................................... 20

Observing ..................................................................................................................................... 20

Recording ..................................................................................................................................... 21

Analyzing ..................................................................................................................................... 21

Contents

Reporting ..................................................................................................................................... 21

Student Data Collection ................................................................................................................ 21

Student Project Booklet ................................................................................................................ 21

ASSESSMENT ....................................................................................................................................... 22

Practical Work (8 marks) .................................................................................................................... 22

Student Project Booklet (12 marks) ............................................................................................ 22

Managing the Assessment Process ............................................................................................. 22

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE ASSESSMENT RUBRICS ......................................................................... 23

IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE FOR CAC AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE ........................................... 25

Student’s Project Booklet ................................................................................................................. 27

School’s Mark Sheet for CAC Agricultural Science ....................................................................... 43

The Rationale for Agricultural Science in the Primary School CurriculumAgricultural Science teaches the principles and practices of growing plants and rearing animals for food and other valuable products. Agricultural Science develops students’ understanding of the natural environment and the cycles of nature. As students are taught to love and care for plants and animals, and how and why they are important to us; they will appreciate Agricultural Science and teach others about it. This subject provides additional opportunities for students to develop their social, emotional, Information Communication and Technological skills, and care for the environment. Furthermore, it allows students to feel a sense of accomplishment which will help to boost their confidence and self-esteem.

The infusion of Agricultural Science across the curriculum provides an excellent opportunity for linking theory to practice which readily facilitates differentiated instruction. It is expected that exposure to this subject will also enhance students’ literacy and numeracy, as well as their skills in observing, manipulating, comprehending, recording, analyzing and reporting through enjoyable activities.

This Agricultural Science Teacher’s Manual emphasizes food security with a focus on good agricultural practices. It is anticipated that it will provide a platform on which our students will become sensitized to the value and importance of agriculture to themselves, our country and the global society.

INTRODUCTION / OVERVIEW Continuous AssessmentComponent (CAC)of the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA)

Agricultural Science Activity

TOPIC: Crop Science CLASS: Standard 4 TERM: 2ACTIVITY: Students are required to investigate the growth, development and yield of ochroes using the Self-Watering Gow Box (SWGB).

Students will: • Prepare the SWGB for planting ochroes. • Plant ochroes in the SWGB. • Care for ochro plants. • Harvest ochroes at the correct stage of maturity. • Analyze the growth, development and yield of the ochro plants. • Work independently and collaboratively in a safe manner. • Reflect on their experiences in this activity.

OBJECTIVES

What is SWGB?The SWGB is a rectangular container used for growing plants. The box has an inner and outer compartment and is assembled by fitting the inner compartment into the outer one.

The SWGB has a reservoir at the bottom of the box which holds water. There is a drainage hole at the side of the box which prevents the box from overfilling. The inner compartment has a perforated base which allows for drainage of the potting medium and prevents water logging.

When the box is filled with potting mediun, the sunken part of the inner compartment is in direct contact with the water in the reservoir. The water is absorbed by capillary action and then moves throughout the potting medium. In this way the potting medium remains moist, providing a continuous source of water for plant growth and development.

The water in the reservoir in the SWGB must be topped up once per week. Under hot, dry weather conditions the box will have to be refilled with water more often than under cool, wet conditions.

GROWING CROPS IN THE SWGB

5

Continuous AssessmentComponent (CAC)of the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA)

Agricultural Science Activity

TOPIC: Crop Science CLASS: Standard 4 TERM: 2ACTIVITY: Students are required to investigate the growth, development and yield of ochroes using the Self-Watering Gow Box (SWGB).

Students will: • Prepare the SWGB for planting ochroes. • Plant ochroes in the SWGB. • Care for ochro plants. • Harvest ochroes at the correct stage of maturity. • Analyze the growth, development and yield of the ochro plants. • Work independently and collaboratively in a safe manner. • Reflect on their experiences in this activity.

OBJECTIVES

What is SWGB?The SWGB is a rectangular container used for growing plants. The box has an inner and outer compartment and is assembled by fitting the inner compartment into the outer one.

The SWGB has a reservoir at the bottom of the box which holds water. There is a drainage hole at the side of the box which prevents the box from overfilling. The inner compartment has a perforated base which allows for drainage of the potting medium and prevents water logging.

When the box is filled with potting mediun, the sunken part of the inner compartment is in direct contact with the water in the reservoir. The water is absorbed by capillary action and then moves throughout the potting medium. In this way the potting medium remains moist, providing a continuous source of water for plant growth and development.

The water in the reservoir in the SWGB must be topped up once per week. Under hot, dry weather conditions the box will have to be refilled with water more often than under cool, wet conditions.


5

76

Remove the grass and level the soil inpreparation for block placementFigure 2

Use the spirit level to ensure that the concrete blocks are levelFigure 3


SETTING UP THE SWGB FOR CONDUCTING THE CAC ACTIVITY

Advantages of the SWGB instead of Field Planting • It reduces the incidence of pests and diseases. • It can be used to grow a range of crops e.g. leafy, fruit and root vegetables. • It is mobile and easy to move from one place to another without disturbing the plants. • It accommodates students with special needs. • It reduces variability in growing conditions, ensuring that no one will be at a disadvantage due to their physical location.

Getting Started • Collect all the necessary materials. • Put on the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) before conducting any practical activity.

Selection of a site and placement of the containers • Select a site that receives a minimum of 5 hours of sunlight per day. The site should also be secure to prevent interference from animals and birds. • Position the SWGB for students to have access on all sides. Placing the SWGB against a wall or fence would limit access to the box. • Place the SWGB at least 15cm above the ground. This can be done by resting it on concrete blocks.

Figure 1 Photograph of the Self Watering Grow Box

98

The SWGB is ready for �lling with growing mediumFigure 4

Measure, cut and �t the shade cloth into the SWGBFigure 5

Preparation of the SWGB for planting a crop

• Shape the shade cloth to �t into the base of the SWGB. • Pace the shade cloth at the base of the SWGB.

Filling the SWGB with the growing medium

• Put on appropriate PPE.• Open the bag of growing medium.• Fill the box with DRY growing medium (approximately 5cm from the top).• Water the growing medium with the watering can to remove air pockets and to allow it to settle.• Fill the SWGB’s compartment with water until it over�ows.

Filling the SWGB with the growing mediumFigure 6

Fill the SWGB with water until the reservoir over�owsFigure 7

Pay attention to the shape of the shade cloth in the SWGB

1110

Re-using growing medium

• Empty the SWGB containing the growing medium • Remove the Saran netting from the growing medium/SWGB • Dislodge all growing medium from the Saran netting. • Replace the Saran netting at the base of the SWGB. • Re�ll the SWGB with this growing medium. • Water the growing medium. • Fill the SWGB’s reservoir with water.

Sowing seeds • For the purpose of this activity the ochroes will be planted at a spacing of 30cm apart. The box will accommodate three plants. • Dig a planting hole 5cm wide and 2cm deep at each planting site. (Note: if seeds are planted at di�erent depths, they will germinate at di�erent times). • Place 3 seeds equal distances apart (DO NOT put all 3 seeds in the same location) in the hole and cover it with the potting medium that was removed when the hole was dug. • The seedlings will emerge 3 to 5 days after sowing.

Figure 8 The SWGB is ready for planting the ochroes

Measure and indicate the location ofthe planting holeFigure 9

Evenly spaced seeds in the planting holesFigure 10

15cm 15cm30cm 30cm

1312

• About 10 days after emergence, thin out the plants to 1 seedling per planting hole. • Remove the weaker seedlings leaving the strongest one. The plants are removed by cutting the stem at the soil level.

Thinning Out

Emerging seedlingsFigure 11

Ochro seedlings after being thinned outFigure 12

Time of Application Fertilizer Amount**

2 Weeks after emergence Calcium Nitrate ½ teaspoon/plant

3 Weeks after emergence 12:12:17+2 ½ teaspoon/plant

4 Weeks after emergence 12:12:17+2 ½ teaspoon/plant

5 Weeks after emergence 12:12:17+2 1 teaspoons/plant




Fertilizer Application • Apply fertilizer to the ochro plants using the following recommendations: • The fertilizer should be placed in a ring approximately 5 cm away from the plant.

** You can substitute a soft drink cap for a teaspoon Teaspoon / soft drink cap = 5 g

Care and maintenance of plants in the containers • Re�ll box with water as needed. • Inspect the plant regularly to check for pests and diseases. • Treat the plants with the appropriate pesticide as needed.

15

Some common ochro pests are bachacs, beetles and stink bugs. The table below indicates they can be controlled:

Some common diseases of ochroes are powdery mildew and leaf spot. The table below describes the symptoms of this disease as well as the control of the organisms that are responsible for these diseases:

Control of pests in ochro Control of diseases in ochro

Pest Damage caused Method of Control

Beetle

Cuts the leaf in a C-shape pattern starting from the leaf margin

Makes holes in the leaves

Sucks sap from �owers and young fruits and cause them to grow distorted

Place bachac bait along the bachac trail

Spray plants with a suitable insecticide e.g. Abamectin

Disease Symptoms Method of Control

Powdery Mildew

Leaf Spot Brown irregular spots Use a copper based fungicide

Use a copper based fungicide

The fungus coats the upper and lower leaf surfaces with a whitish coating. Severe infection will cause the leaves to roll upward and scorch

Spray plants with a suitable insecticide e.g. Abamectin

14

Stink Bug

Bachac

1716

• Harvest the ochroes every 2 to 3 days when the ochro is turning from angular to round and approximately 15 to 20 cm long. • Cut the stem using a pair of scissors.

At all stages of this project, students are required to: • Maintain a tidy work area. • Clean work area after completion of task • Wash, dry and store after use.

Harvesting

Control of diseases in ochro

Figure 14 Harvested ochroes

Figure 15 Cleaning of work areaFigure 13 Harvesting ochroes

1918

• Cut o� the main stem. • Uproot and dispose of plant materials in an appropriate manner. • Empty, wash, dry and store the SWGB away. • Dry and store the growing medium for future use.

Upon Completion of the Project

Figure 17 Pull out the roots

Figure 16 Cut o� the main the stem

Figure 18 The ochro plants can be composted

Figure 19 The box is being prepared to grow another crop

2120

Data Collection Instrument: Data will be collected and recorded in the Student’s Project Booklet. This booklet will be provided by the Ministry of Education.

The Skills to be AssessedObserving • Plant Growth and Development • Emergence of the ochro seedling from the growing medium • Time of first flowering • Increase in plant height over time • Fruit development • Readiness of fruit for harvest – when the ochroes change from angular to round • Incidence of weeds, pest and disease

DATA COLLECTION

Figure 20 An ochro flower

Recording • Increase in plant height over time • Yield over time • General observations

Analyzing • Number of days taken for seedlings to emerge from the growing medium • Number of days from planting to first flowering • Number of days from planting to time of first harvest • Total number of ochroes harvested per box

Reporting • Discussion on the growth and development of the ochro plants • Reflections on the activity

Student Data Collection Students are encouraged to have a special exercise book to record their crop observations and measurements. They will then transcribe the data into the Student Project Booklet.

Student Project BookletTeachers must ensure that the data is recorded in the Student Project Booklet as soon as the data is collected. The Student Project Booklet must be secured in school and must be made available upon request by the Senior Teacher, school administration or the Moderator.

Figure 21 Measuring plant height

At no time are students allowed to take theStudent Project Booklet home.

2322

The total possible score for this activity is 20 marks. Students will be assessed using the following criteria:

Practical Work (8 marks) • Personal safety • Selection and care of tools • Agricultural skills • Teamwork

Student Project Booklet (12 marks) • Data collection • Report on crop growth and development. • Manipulation of data • Description of experience

Managing the Assessment ProcessThe following guidelines will assist you in managing the assessment process: • Monitor the Students’ Project Booklets to ensure that the data that was recorded in the exercise book is transferred to the Students’ Project Booklets in a timely manner. • Score the students’ practical work regularly and record the date when the mark is assigned. • Provide feedback to students on their performance and make recommendations for improvement.

ASSESSMENT

Student’s Name ………………………………………………………. Class………………...School …………………………………………………………………………………………….....

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE ASSESSMENT RUBRICS

PRACTICAL WORK [8 marks] (Teacher observes and assigns individual mark to students)

Total Possible Marks

Student’s Mark

& Date of

Assessment

PERSONAL SAFETY [2marks]

Works in a manner that is safe to self and others

2

Only works in a manner that is safe to self or others

1

Does not work in a safe manner 0

SELECTION AND CARE OF TOOLS [2 marks]

Selects correct tools and cleans them after use

2

Only selects correct tools or only cleans them after use

1

Does not select correct tools nor cleans them after use

0

AGRICULTURAL SKILLS

[2 marks]

The task was completed and done on time

2

The task was incomplete or was not done on time

1

The task was not attempted 0

TEAMWORK [2marks]

Willingly participates with others during activity 2

Needs to be encouraged to participate with others during activity.

1

Does not attempt to participate with others during activity. 0

Total Practical Work

8

2524

Student’s Name ………………………………………………………. Class………………...School …………………………………………………………………………………………….....

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS [12 marks] (Teacher marks individual Student Project Report Booklet)

MARKS Student’s Mark

DATA COLLECTION [4 marks]

More than 20 data entries were collected and recorded accurately in data collection booklet

4

15 to 19 of the data entries were collected and recorded accurately in data collection sheet

3

10 to 14 of the data entries were collected and recorded accurately in the data collection sheet

2

5 to 9 of the data entries were collected and recorded accurately in the data collection sheet

1

Less than 5 data entries were collected and recorded accurately in the data collection sheet

0

MANIPULATION OF DATA [3 marks]

4 or more points on the bar chart plotted accurately 3

2 to 3 points on the bar chart plotted accurately 2

1 point on the bar chart plotted accurately 1 No points plotted accurately or no attempt made to plot points

0

REPORT ON GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND

YIELD [3 marks]

Provided a complete account on crop growth, development and yield 3

Provided an account of ONLY 2 parameters on crop growth, development and yield 2

Provided an account of ONLY 1 parameter on crop growth, development and yield 1

Did not attempt the description on crop growth, development and yield 0

DESCRIPTION OF EXPERIENCES

[2 marks]

Fully described their experiences 2 Partially described their experiences 1

Did not describe their experience 0 Total Student Report 12

Task: Students are required to investigate the growth, development and yield of ochro using the SWGB

IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE FOR CAC AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

Time Suggested Activity Monitoring

Week 1

The teacher will:

1. Explain the project to students.2. Explain how the project will be assessed.3. Place students into groups.4. Discuss Student Project Booklet with the students.

Week2

The teacher will:

1. Identify location for setting up the SWGB.2. Demonstrate how to prepare the SWGB for planting.3. Observe, advise, assist and provide feedback to students.4. Start marking all Student Project Booklets.

The students will:

1. Prepare the SWGB for planting. 2. Fill the reservoir of the box with water.3. Sow seeds in the SWGB.4. Record appropriate data into the Students’ Project Booklets

Weeks 3, 4, 5, and 6

The teacher will:

1. Observe, advise, assist and provide feedback to students.2. Assess students’ practical work.3. Continue marking all Student Project Booklets.

The students will:

1. Thin out seedlings.2. Maintain the SWGB by filling it water.3. Fertilize the plants as recommended.4. Measure the height of the plants at weekly intervals.5. Record appropriate data into the Students’ Project Booklets.

1st Monitor visit by end of Week 3

2nd Monitor visit by end of Week 6

2726


Weeks

7, 8 and 9

The teacher will:

1. Observe, advise, assist and provide feedback to students. 2. Assess students’ practical work. 3. Continue marking all Student Project Booklets.

The students will:

1. Continue measuring the height of the plants at weekly intervals.

2. Harvest ochroes and record the number of fruits harvested. 3. Calculate the total number of ochroes harvested per box. 4. Record appropriate data into the Students’ Project Booklets. 5. Complete the Students’ Project Booklet.

3rd Monitor visit by end of Week 8

Week 10

The teacher will:

1. Complete marking all Student Project Booklets. 2. Record the students’ marks in the School’s Mark Sheet for

CAC Agricultural Science. 3. Upload students’ marks.

The students will:

1. Uproot ochro plants. 2. Dispose of uprooted plants in an appropriate manner e.g.

compost heap. 3. Clean and store the SWGB. 4. Dry potting medium and store for future use.

Week 11

Schools submit to Monitors:

- Mark Sheets - Samples of Students’ Project Booklets for

moderation.

Monitors collect:

- Sample Booklets

- Mark Sheet

Week

12

Moderation of Booklets by The Ministry of Education

2726


Weeks

7, 8 and 9

The teacher will:

1. Observe, advise, assist and provide feedback to students. 2. Assess students’ practical work. 3. Continue marking all Student Project Booklets.

The students will:

1. Continue measuring the height of the plants at weekly intervals.

2. Harvest ochroes and record the number of fruits harvested. 3. Calculate the total number of ochroes harvested per box. 4. Record appropriate data into the Students’ Project Booklets. 5. Complete the Students’ Project Booklet.

3rd Monitor visit by end of Week 8

Week 10

The teacher will:

1. Complete marking all Student Project Booklets. 2. Record the students’ marks in the School’s Mark Sheet for

CAC Agricultural Science. 3. Upload students’ marks.

The students will:

1. Uproot ochro plants. 2. Dispose of uprooted plants in an appropriate manner e.g.

compost heap. 3. Clean and store the SWGB. 4. Dry potting medium and store for future use.

Week 11

Schools submit to Monitors:

- Mark Sheets - Samples of Students’ Project Booklets for

moderation.

Monitors collect:

- Sample Booklets

- Mark Sheet

Week

12

Moderation of Booklets by The Ministry of Education


Agricultural ScienceStudent’s Project Booklet

Education District:

Name:

Class: Standard 4

Teacher:

School:

Project:

1CAC

Continuous Assessment Component

Student’s Project Booklet



2

1. a) Record your observations on plant growth and development in the table below:

Observations Date

The date that the seeds were planted.

The date that the first seedling emerged from the growing medium.

The date that the first flower opened. (This is when the first flower is fully open.)

The date that the first ochro was harvested.

b) Use the data from the table above to calculate the following:

i. The number of days taken from planting to the emergence of the first seedling was .........................................................................................

ii. The number of days taken from planting to flowering was ...........................................................................................................................

iii. The number of days taken from planting to harvest of the first ochro was .........................................................................................................

3

2. Record any other observations you may have made on your plants.

Time (weeks) Observations

1

2

4


3

4

5


5

6

6


7

8

7


9

10

8

3. Select one (1) ochro plant and record its height and number of leaves from emergence to when the first ochro is harvested.(Height is measured from the base of the stem to the tip of the plant.)

Time(weeks after planting)

Plant Height(cm)

Number of Leaves

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

9

b) Using the height of the ochro plant from the previous table, draw a bar chart showing the growth of the plant over time.

(Shade the bars up to the appropriate height.)

10

4. Using the harvest data collected, complete the Harvest Record Chart below:

Harvest Date Number of ochroes harvested in any one (1) of the SWGB

1st Harvest

2nd Harvest

3rd Harvest

4th Harvest

5th Harvest

TOTAL

11

5. Discuss the growth, development and yield of the ochro plants.

GROWTH:

DEVELOPMENT:

YIELD:

12

6. Please describe your experiences by answering the following questions:

a) During this project the things that I enjoyed most were

b) I liked working in a team because

c) I think that growing food is important because

13

7. Photograph OR drawing of group members with ochro crop.

End of Student Project Booklet

14

ASSESSMENT RUBRICS

Student’s Name ………………………………………………………. Class………………...

School ……………………………………………………………………………………………...

PRACTICAL WORK [8 marks](Teacher observes and assigns individual mark to students)

Total PossibleMarks

Student’s Mark &Date of Assessment

SAFETY

[2marks]

Works in a manner that is safe to self and others

2

Only works in a manner that is safe to self or others

1

Does not work in a safe manner 0

SELECTION AND CARE OF TOOLS

[2 marks]

Selects correct tools and cleans them after use 2

Only selects correct tools or only cleans them after use

1

Does not select correct tools nor cleans them after use

0

AGRICULTURAL SKILLS

[2 marks]

Select any one (1) skill to award marks in this section:

- applying fertilizer

- filling the SWGB with water

- harvesting ochro

The task was completed and done on time 2

The task was incomplete or was not done on time

1

The task was not attempted 0

TEAMWORK

[2marks]

Willingly participates with others during activity

2

Needs to be encouraged to participate with others during activity.

1

Does not attempt to participate with others during activity.

0

Practical Work Total 8

15

Student’s Name ………………………………………………………. Class………………...

School ……………………………………………………………………………………………...

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS [12 marks](Teacher marks individual Student Project Report Booklet) MARKS Student’s

Mark

DATA COLLECTION

[4 marks]

20 or more data entries were collected and recorded accurately in the data collection booklet 4

15 to 19 of the data entries were collected and recorded accurately in the data collection sheet 3



Less than 5 data entries were collected and recorded accurately in the data collection sheet 0

MANIPULATION OF DATA

[3 marks]

4 or more points on the bar chart plotted accurately 3

2 to 3 points on the bar chart plotted accurately 2

1 point on the bar chart plotted accurately 1

No points plotted accurately or no attempt made to plot points0

REPORT ON GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND YIELD

[3 marks]

Provided a complete account on crop growth, development and yield 3

Provided an account of ONLY 2 parameters on crop growth, development and yield 2

Provided an account of ONLY 1 parameter on crop growth, development and yield 1

Did not attempt the description on crop growth, development and yield 0

DESCRIPTION OF EXPERIENCES

[2 marks]

Fully described their experiences 2

Partially described their experiences 1

Did not describe their experience 0

Total Student Report 12

School’s Mark Sheet for CAC Agricultural Science School:

Teacher’s Name Class

Name of Student (Alphabetical order)

Marks

No. SURNAME FIRST NAME Project Report Booklet

TOTAL

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

PracticalWork

2

Name of Student

(Alphabetical order)

Marks

No. SURNAME FIRST NAME Student Project Booklet

TOTAL

------------------------- ------------------------ Principal’s Signature

School’s Stamp

PracticalWork

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