Physical Fitness and Population – Primary 5 Social Studies Third Term Week 5

Class: Primary 5

Subject: Social Studies
Term: Third Term
Week: 5
Topic: Physical Fitness and Population
Duration: 40 minutes
Theme: Social and Health Issues
Keywords: Fitness, Exercise, Population, Health, Overcrowding
Reference:

• Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work

• Social Studies Textbooks for Primary 5

Behavioural Objectives

At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Define physical fitness.

2. State the importance of physical fitness to health.

3. Define population.

4. Explain how a growing population affects physical fitness and health.

5. Suggest ways to improve fitness in a crowded environment.

Set Induction (Entry Behaviour)

The teacher begins by leading a short physical exercise (e.g., jumping jacks) and then asks:

“How do you feel after that? That’s part of staying fit! But what if we were too many in this room? Could we all exercise well?”

This leads into the topic of physical fitness and population.

Instructional Materials

• Pictures or charts showing people exercising

• Charts of crowded vs. spacious environments

• Videos or demonstrations of fitness activities

• Role-play cards for scenarios on health and population

Lesson Content

1. Meaning of Physical Fitness

Physical fitness is the ability of the body to work well and stay healthy.
People who are physically fit are strong, active, and full of energy.

2. Importance of Physical Fitness

• Keeps the body strong

• Helps in fighting diseases

• Improves mood and sleep

• Builds healthy muscles and bones

• Helps us stay smart and alert in class

3. Meaning of Population

Population is the total number of people living in a place.
For example:

• The population of Lagos is large.

• A village may have a small population.

4. Connection Between Population and Physical Fitness

• In areas with too many people (overcrowded), there may be less space to exercise.

• Air pollution from a large population can make outdoor exercise unhealthy.

• Noise and lack of clean playgrounds can discourage physical activities.

• Health centers may become crowded, making it harder to stay healthy.

5. Solutions / What to Do

• Build more playgrounds and fitness centers

• Teach people the importance of fitness

• Encourage morning exercises at home or school

• Reduce overcrowding in living areas

• Plant trees and keep the environment clean for fresh air

Teacher–Pupil Activities

Class Activities

Activity 1: Pupils act out different exercises like running, jumping, or stretching.
Activity 2: Pupils draw a picture of a clean open field and a crowded area.
Activity 3: Pupils discuss how too many people can affect exercise and play.

Evaluation Questions

1. What is physical fitness?

2. Mention two benefits of physical fitness.

3. What is population?

4. How can population affect physical fitness?

5. Suggest two ways to keep fit even in a crowded place.

Expected Answers:

1. It is the ability of the body to stay strong and healthy.

2. Keeps the body strong, fights diseases.

3. Population is the number of people living in a place.

4. Overcrowding can reduce space for exercise.

5. Use home exercises, keep the environment clean.

Conclusion

Physical fitness helps us live strong, healthy, and happy lives. However, a growing population can affect how easily we can exercise. We must find ways to stay active even in crowded places.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Can I stay fit without going to the gym?
Yes! You can walk, run, skip, or do home exercises.

Q2: Why is population important to fitness?
Too many people in a place can reduce space, air quality, and chances to exercise.

Q3: What can the government do to help?
Build parks, clean environments, and educate people about fitness.