Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Geography
Lesson Topic: Soil types and profile characteristics: oxisols/latosols, tropical red and brown earths
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the key characteristics of oxisols/latosols, tropical red earths and tropical brown earths.
  • Explain the formation processes that produce these soil types in humid tropical environments.
  • Compare the agricultural suitability and management requirements of each soil type.
  • Analyse a soil‑profile diagram to identify horizon sequences and infer soil fertility.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint slides with soil‑profile diagrams
  • Handouts of the comparative soil table
  • Soil‑sample images (or physical samples)
  • Worksheets for classification activity
  • Markers and flip chart
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of a tropical rainforest floor showing vivid red and brown soils to capture interest. Ask students what factors might cause such colour differences and link to prior knowledge of weathering. Outline that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify and compare oxisols, red earths and brown earths and explain their land‑use implications.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – quick quiz on basic soil horizons.
  2. Teacher input (10’) – presentation of key characteristics and formation processes of the three soil types.
  3. Guided analysis (10’) – examine the comparative table and discuss differences in pH, fertility, etc.
  4. Hands‑on activity (15’) – students work in pairs to label a cross‑section diagram and complete a worksheet.
  5. Class discussion (10’) – groups share findings; teacher clarifies misconceptions and links to agricultural uses.
  6. Check for understanding (5’) – exit ticket: list one management strategy for each soil type.
Conclusion:
Summarise the main distinctions among oxisols, red earths and brown earths and their implications for land use. Have students write an exit ticket stating which soil type would be most suitable for a cocoa plantation and why. Assign homework to research a real‑world case study of soil management in a tropical region.