pH. Agricultural Lesson Plans.

This lesson plan is intended for use in conducting classes on the effect of pH on plant growth. Presented first are an attention step/problem statement and a series of questions and answers designed to convey general information about soil pH and its effect on plants. The following topics are among those discussed: acidity and alkalinity; the meaning of the numbers on the pH scale, the major components of soils, factors affecting soil pH, the effect of geographic area on pH, the effect of pH on plant growth, sources of plant nutrients, the relationship between soil pH and nutrient availability, the relationship between pH level and bacteria in soil, and methods of increasing and decreasing soil pH. Also provided are the following: a glossary of pertinent scientific terms, 4 worksheets, answers to the worksheets, 2 quizzes, answers to the quizzes, 12 overhead transparency masters, and a lesson plan for teaching students to test the pH of soils. Included in the lesson plan are an objective, list of equipment needed, detailed steps for completing the activity, and student activity record sheet. (MN)