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Subject: Exploring Nature: A Hands­On Lesson for Ages 10­11 Age Group: Ages 10 to 11 Learning Objectives: Students will identify various types of soil in their local environment.

Students will understand the importance of biodiversity and how different soils may become eroded Students will develop observational and critical thinking skills by engaging in hands­on activities.

Students will cultivate an appreciation and respect for nature and the environment.

Time & Resources Required: Time: 2 hours Resources: Field notebooks and pencils Magnifying glasses Field guides for local flora and fauna Small containers for temporary observation of insects Camera or smartphones for taking pictures Portable whiteboard and markers Activity Description: Introduction (15 minutes) Gather students in a circle and discuss the importance of nature and biodiversity. Explain the day's objectives and activities. Distribute field notebooks and other resources.

Nature Walk (30 minutes) Lead students on a guided walk through a nearby park or natural area. Encourage them to observe their surroundings and take notes or draw sketches in their notebooks. Use field guides to identify various plants and animals.

Hands­On Exploration (30 minutes) Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific area to explore. Provide magnifying glasses and containers for temporary observation of insects. Students should document their findings with sketches or photos and take note of any interesting interactions they observe between species.

Group Discussion (20 minutes) Reconvene and have each group share their findings. Use the portable whiteboard to list different species and discuss their roles in the ecosystem. Highlight interesting observations and encourage students to ask questions.

Reflection and Journaling (15 minutes) Ask students to reflect on their experience and write a short journal entry about what they learned and how they felt during the activities. Encourage them to think about ways they can protect and appreciate nature in their daily lives.

Evaluation/Assessment: Field Notebooks and Sketches Review students' field notebooks to assess their observational skills and ability to identify different species.

Group Presentations Evaluate the group presentations to determine their understanding of ecosystem interactions and the importance of biodiversity.

Journal Entries Read the journal entries to gauge students' personal reflections and their emotional connection to the natural environment.

Participation and Engagement Observe students' participation and engagement throughout the activities to ensure they are actively involved and interested.

Connection with Nature: This lesson plan fosters a direct connection with nature by encouraging students to explore and observe their local environment firsthand. Through hands­on activities, group discussions, and personal reflections, students will develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world around them.

FARMERS QUESTIONNAIRE

"How can we improve on the current offerings in the market place, focussing on erosion" See brochure and provide a list of soils and locations for them to input with map