Understanding Synthetic and Naturally Occurring Drugs
Lesson Plan: Synthetic and Naturally Occurring Drugs
Subject: Social Studies
Class: Primary 6
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 11
Age: 11–12 years
Topic: Synthetic and Naturally Occurring Drugs
Sub-Topics:
- Meaning of Synthetic and Naturally Occurring Drugs
- Examples of Synthetic and Naturally Occurring Drugs
Duration: 40–50 minutes
Behavioral Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Define synthetic and naturally occurring drugs.
- Differentiate between synthetic and naturally occurring drugs.
- Identify examples of synthetic and naturally occurring drugs.
- Explain the uses of synthetic and naturally occurring drugs.
Keywords
- Synthetic Drugs
- Naturally Occurring Drugs
- Chemicals
- Herbs
- Pharmaceutical
- Manufactured
- Natural Sources
Set Induction
The teacher will display pictures of herbs (e.g., aloe vera, ginger) and tablets (e.g., paracetamol, antibiotics) and ask:
- “Do you know where these come from?”
- “What are the differences between natural plants and these tablets?”
This will engage the pupils and lead to the discussion of synthetic and naturally occurring drugs.
Entry Behavior
Pupils should already know:
- That medicines are used to treat illnesses.
- That some medicines come from plants, while others are made in factories.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Pictures of herbs and medicinal plants (e.g., ginger, aloe vera).
- Samples or images of synthetic drugs (e.g., paracetamol, cough syrups).
- Flashcards showing uses of both types of drugs.
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
Pupils have previously learned about the meaning and proper use of drugs. This lesson will expand on that knowledge by explaining where drugs come from and their differences.
Embedded Core Skills
- Critical Thinking: Pupils will analyze the differences between synthetic and naturally occurring drugs.
- Communication Skills: Pupils will discuss the uses and sources of drugs.
- Observation Skills: Pupils will examine the examples provided and categorize them correctly.
Reference Books
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- “Social Studies for Primary Schools” by I. O. Akinyemi
- Science and Health Resources
Instructional Materials
- Pictures of synthetic and natural drugs.
- Charts comparing synthetic and naturally occurring drugs.
- Whiteboard and markers.
Content Requirements
Meaning of Synthetic Drugs
Synthetic drugs are man-made medicines produced in laboratories or factories using chemicals. They are designed to treat specific illnesses or conditions.
Examples of Synthetic Drugs
- Paracetamol (for headaches and fever).
- Amoxicillin (an antibiotic for infections).
- Ibuprofen (for pain relief).
- Cough syrups.
- Antimalarial drugs like Chloroquine.
Meaning of Naturally Occurring Drugs
Naturally occurring drugs are medicines obtained directly from plants, animals, or minerals without being chemically altered.
Examples of Naturally Occurring Drugs
- Aloe Vera (used for skin treatment).
- Ginger (used to treat stomach issues).
- Quinine (extracted from cinchona bark to treat malaria).
- Garlic (used to boost immunity).
- Papaya (used for digestion).
Differences Between Synthetic and Naturally Occurring Drugs
| Synthetic Drugs | Naturally Occurring Drugs |
|---|---|
| Made in laboratories or factories. | Obtained directly from nature. |
| Chemically processed. | Not chemically processed. |
| Quick and reliable action. | Slower but effective over time. |
| Examples: Paracetamol, Antibiotics | Examples: Aloe Vera, Garlic. |
Evaluation Requirements
Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
- __________ drugs are made in laboratories using chemicals.
a) Natural
b) Synthetic
c) Herbal
d) Traditional - __________ drugs are obtained from plants, animals, or minerals.
a) Synthetic
b) Naturally occurring
c) Processed
d) Artificial - Paracetamol is an example of a __________ drug.
a) Natural
b) Synthetic
c) Herbal
d) Mineral - Aloe Vera is a __________ drug.
a) Natural
b) Synthetic
c) Processed
d) Artificial - Quinine is obtained from __________ bark.
a) Neem
b) Mango
c) Cinchona
d) Guava - __________ drugs are chemically processed to treat illnesses quickly.
a) Natural
b) Synthetic
c) Herbal
d) Homemade - __________ is used to boost immunity.
a) Garlic
b) Paracetamol
c) Chloroquine
d) Ibuprofen - Synthetic drugs are made in __________.
a) Factories
b) Farms
c) Forests
d) Rivers - __________ is a naturally occurring drug used for digestion.
a) Papaya
b) Aspirin
c) Ibuprofen
d) Antimalarial - One difference between synthetic and natural drugs is that synthetic drugs are __________.
a) Slow
b) Chemically processed
c) Natural
d) Not reliable
Class Activity Discussion (FAQs)
- What are synthetic drugs?
Answer: Synthetic drugs are man-made medicines produced using chemicals. - What are naturally occurring drugs?
Answer: Naturally occurring drugs are medicines obtained from plants, animals, or minerals. - Give two examples of synthetic drugs.
Answer: Paracetamol and Amoxicillin. - Give two examples of naturally occurring drugs.
Answer: Aloe Vera and Garlic. - What is Quinine used for?
Answer: It is used to treat malaria. - How is Aloe Vera used?
Answer: It is used for treating skin conditions. - Where are synthetic drugs made?
Answer: They are made in laboratories or factories. - Which type of drug acts quickly, synthetic or natural?
Answer: Synthetic drugs act quickly. - Name a plant used as a naturally occurring drug.
Answer: Ginger. - Why are synthetic drugs reliable?
Answer: Because they are scientifically processed to treat specific illnesses.
Presentation Steps
- Review the Previous Topic: The teacher will ask pupils to recap the topic on drug abuse and its consequences.
- Introduce the New Topic: The teacher will display pictures of both synthetic and natural drugs and explain their meanings and examples.
- Encourage Contributions: Pupils will share examples of medicines they have seen or used, which the teacher will categorize as synthetic or natural.
Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities
- Teacher’s Activities:
- Explain the meanings of synthetic and naturally occurring drugs.
- Show pictures and examples of both types.
- Highlight the differences between the two.
- Learners’ Activities:
- Listen and take notes.
- Answer questions on examples of drugs.
- Participate in group discussions about their uses.
Evaluation Questions (Assessment)
- Define synthetic drugs.
- Define naturally occurring drugs.
- Give two examples of synthetic drugs.
- Name two naturally occurring drugs.
- What is the difference between synthetic and naturally occurring drugs?
- Why are synthetic drugs faster in action than natural drugs?
- What is Aloe Vera used for?
- Name a drug obtained from cinchona bark.
- Which drug is used to boost immunity?
- Where are synthetic drugs made?
Conclusion
The teacher will summarize the lesson by emphasizing the meanings and examples of both synthetic and naturally occurring drugs. Feedback will be provided through pupils’ participation and answers.