Understanding Human Growth and Uniqueness Basic Science JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Lesson Plan for JSS 2 (Basic 8)

Subject: Basic Science
Class: JSS 2 (Basic 8)
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 12 – 13 years
Topic: Living Things (II)

Sub-topics:

1. Uniqueness of Human Beings
2. Measurement of Growth and Developmental Changes
3. Growth Changes in Height, Weight, and Size
4. Characteristic Features of Different Developmental Stages
5. Classification of Growth and Developmental Changes

Duration: 80 minutes
Behavioral Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Identify the unique characteristics of human beings compared to other living things.
2. Explain how growth and developmental changes are measured in humans.
3. Describe the changes in height, weight, and size during growth.
4. Discuss the characteristic features of different developmental stages.
5. Classify the various types of growth and developmental changes in human beings.

Keywords: Uniqueness, Growth, Development, Height, Weight, Size, Developmental Stages, Classification
Set Induction:
Begin by asking students to reflect on how they have changed physically and mentally over the past few years. Introduce the concept of growth and development and explain that all living things, especially humans, undergo these changes.

Entry Behavior:
Students have basic knowledge of living things and their habitats from previous lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials:

1. Samples of living things (e.g., plants, insects)
2. Pictures of different types of habitats
3. Examples of organisms living in specific habitats
4. Textbooks
5. Workbooks
6. Online materials

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Recall the previous lesson on living things and their habitats. Discuss how living things grow and develop over time, with a focus on human beings.

Embedded Core Skills:

1. Critical thinking and observation
2. Communication
3. Collaboration
4. Understanding human development

Learning Materials:

1. Visual aids showing growth and developmental stages in humans
2. Textbooks and notebooks

Reference Books:

1. Basic Science for Junior Secondary Schools (Lagos State Scheme of Work)
2. Essential Science for JSS 2 by Dr. O. O. Odumosu

Instructional Content:

1. Uniqueness of Human Beings

• Definition: Humans are unique among living things due to their ability to think, communicate complex ideas, create tools, and form complex societies.
• Examples: Unlike other animals, humans use language for communication, have advanced technological skills, and can alter their environment on a large scale.

2. Measurement of Growth and Developmental Changes

• Methods: Growth in humans is typically measured using parameters such as height, weight, and body size. Developmental changes include cognitive abilities, emotional maturity, and physical changes.
• Tools: Measuring tape, scales, growth charts.

3. Growth Changes in Height, Weight, and Size

• Height: Growth spurts occur during childhood and adolescence.
• Weight: Changes in weight are observed throughout life and can be influenced by diet, exercise, and genetics.
• Size: Overall body size increases as a person grows, with significant changes during puberty.

4. Characteristic Features of Different Developmental Stages

• Infancy: Rapid growth in height and weight, development of motor skills.
• Childhood: Steady growth, development of language and social skills.
• Adolescence: Puberty, rapid physical growth, development of sexual characteristics.
• Adulthood: Slower growth, maintenance of body structure, emotional and cognitive maturity.

5. Classification of Growth and Developmental Changes

• Physical Changes: Changes in height, weight, and body size.
• Cognitive Changes: Development of thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Emotional Changes: Maturity in handling emotions, understanding of self and others.
• Social Changes: Ability to form and maintain relationships, understanding social norms and responsibilities.

Say the Uniqueness of human
beings.

Sub-Topic I: Human beings as Animals

Human beings are a special kind of animal. They belong to a special group of animals called mammals. As mammals, they are different from other animals because they possess the following characteristics:

a. They give birth to young ones alive

b. They possess hair or fur on every part of their body or certain part of the body

c. They breast-feed their young ones with milk from the mammary glands e.g cow, sheep, cat, man etc.

d. The anatomy and shape of human is quite different from any other man or primate. Human is the only animal that can stand erect.

e. The fingers and thumbs or humans are well developed and this made it for them to grab or hold things or tools firmly.

f. Man is different from other primate because of his well developed and large brain. Human beings brains are made up of billions of cells which makes the brain to enable humans to multi task and complete complex task

Evaluation :

1. Human being belongs to a special group of animals called….

2. State two features of mammals

Sub-Topic II: Man as a Primate

Human beings belong to a sub-group of mammals called primates. Primate is a member of an order of mammals with a large brain and complex hands and feet. All primates are mammals but not all mammals are primates. Among the primates are man, gorilla, chimpanzee and monkeys.

They have the following characteristics as primates:

a. They grasp things with their hands

b. They can stand and walk upright

c. They possess nails on their hands and feet

d. They have no claws

e. They have eyes in front of their heads and not at the sides

f. They have opposable thumb, which they use together with the fore finger to pick things up.

EVALUATION

1. What do you understand by primate?

2. State three examples of primates

3. Mention four characteristics of primate

Sub-Topic III: Man as a Higher Animal

Man is different from other primates by possessing the following characteristics:

a. Man possess 5-curve shaped backbone, this helps him to balance in an upright position

b. He moves about in an upright position and walk on two legs always making the hands free to do some other work

c. He possesses the largest skull which contains the brain. Human brain is made of fore-brain, midbrain and hindbrain.

d. Man possesses the largest brain among animals which enables him to think, plan and solve problems better than any other animals.

e. The brain is highly develops and controls human thinking and speech.

f. Man can use his hands to handle tools

NB: The human brain and human body both make man a special primate

EVALUATION

1. Mention two features of man that make him different from other primate

2. Which part of human brain is the centre of (a) intelligence, memory, speed, voluntary actions and smell (ii) control of eye, muscle and posture (iii) muscular activities and body functions?

Measurement of growth and developmental changes

Growth is the irreversible increase in the body, size, height of living things. When we eat well, sleep and take enough rest, then we grow. Growth and development is a life long thing. Developmental changes begin from conception of the child to adulthood: the changes include measurement of growth and development changes in height, weight or head circumference. Growth is brought about by cell division.
Development is a series of orderly changes by which a living thing comes
into maturity. It is series of changes that occur during growth. It is gradual
process leading to maturation of organ and behaviour of individual like
social, emotional as well as skill acquisition.

FACTORS AFFECTING GROWTH

INTERNAL FACTORS THAT AFFECT GROWTH : These are factors that cannot be seen with our naked eyes. These factors are inside our bodies. Examples of internal factors that affect growth and development are

• hormones,
• heredity,
• Stress
• Sleep and rest
• diseases, e. t. c.

EXTERNAL FACTORS THAT AFFECT GROWTH :  These factors are outside the body of an organism which
can affect the organism positively or negatively: Examples of external factors that affect growth are

• rain,
• food,
• water,
• temperature,
• light,
• disease and
• other environmental factors

STAGES IN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

1. INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD: Who is an infant. An infant is a newly birthed child whose age is less that two. Infancy is period of dramatic growth which last from birth to around two years. It is also a time when children form emotional attachments to their care givers (mother). Children of this age bracket are carried in hands from one place to another. Childhood is the stage from birth to puberty. After infancy, children can walk, run and speak in simple sentences. Childhood is characterized by light body weight, small size, very rapid growth particularly in the first two years of life very active body and restlessness.
2. PUBERTY / JUVENILE: This is the transition stage from childhood to adolescence. As children approach the ages of 9 and 10 years, they become more independent and might start noticing the physical changes of puberty. A major growth spurt can occur at this time as the body begins sexual development. This also can be a time of stress for children as peer pressure takes its toll. Body image along with emotional changes often causes children to feel less confident. Juveniles also start preparing for middle school by taking on more academic responsibilities and focusing on goal-setting and accomplishment.
3. ADOLESCENCE: This is the stage between adulthood from ages 12 to 18 years, children experience distinct mental and physical changes. According to the National Institutes of Health (NM), the beginning of a girl’s menstrual cycle typically occurs 2 years after the onset of puberty. The NIH reports that boys do not begin puberty with a distinct marker and tend to mature with adult genitalia about age 16 or 17 years. During this time of physical change, adolescents may become more self-centered. In middle to late adolescence, teen-agers are often characterized as becoming more comfortable with their body sexually and ready to have romantic friendships. Adolescent behavior often includes the teen-agers’ need to pull away from parents and authority figures to establish their own self-identity and make decisions on their own.
4. ADULTHOOD: This is the stage of full maturity. It is often noted when a person is considered chronologically, legally and behaviourally ready to hold responsibilities such as operating a motor vehicle, voting, taking the vows of marriage, entering into a contract and serving in the armed forces. The process of becoming mature does not end with adolescence but continues throughout adulthood as psychological, safety and self-actualization needs are met. Adulthood is often divided into three categories: young adulthood, middle age and old age.

Evaluation :

1. Say four Uniqueness of human
   beings.
2. Explain four Measurement of growth and developmental changes
3. Narrate three Growth changes in height, weight and size
4. State briefly the difference between man and other primate
5. List three major characteristics of mammals.
6. Mention four stages in growth and development

Questions:

1. Humans are unique among living things because they can _______. (a) fly (b) think and communicate (c) swim (d) hunt)
2. Growth in humans is measured using parameters like _______. (a) color (b) height and weight (c) speed (d) temperature)
3. A tool used to measure height is a _______. (a) thermometer (b) scale (c) measuring tape (d) microscope)
4. Rapid growth in height and weight occurs during _______. (a) infancy (b) adulthood (c) old age (d) all stages)
5. During adolescence, individuals experience rapid physical growth and development of _______ characteristics. (a) musical (b) sexual (c) cooking (d) hunting)
6. A growth spurt is most common during _______. (a) infancy (b) childhood (c) adolescence (d) adulthood)
7. Cognitive development includes the ability to _______. (a) lift heavy objects (b) solve problems (c) run fast (d) build houses)
8. Emotional maturity involves understanding and managing _______. (a) hunger (b) emotions (c) money (d) tools)
9. A tool used to measure weight is a _______. (a) measuring tape (b) scale (c) ruler (d) thermometer)
10. _______ are an example of physical changes in humans. (a) Haircuts (b) Changes in height and weight (c) Clothes (d) Shoes)
11. Social development involves forming and maintaining _______. (a) money (b) clothes (c) relationships (d) tools)
12. _______ is a characteristic feature of infancy. (a) Slow growth (b) Rapid growth (c) Decline in size (d) Stability in weight)
13. The development of language skills occurs primarily during _______. (a) infancy (b) childhood (c) adolescence (d) old age)
14. Growth and development are classified into _______ main types. (a) two (b) three (c) four (d) five)
15. Puberty is a stage of _______ development. (a) cognitive (b) emotional (c) physical (d) social)

Class Activity Discussion:

1. Q: What makes human beings unique among living things?
   A: Humans are unique because they can think, communicate complex ideas, create tools, and form societies.
2. Q: How do we measure growth in humans?
   A: Growth is measured using parameters like height, weight, and body size.
3. Q: What is a growth spurt?
   A: A growth spurt is a period of rapid physical growth, especially during adolescence.
4. Q: Which tools are used to measure height and weight?
   A: A measuring tape is used for height, and a scale is used for weight.
5. Q: What are the characteristic features of infancy?
   A: Infancy is marked by rapid growth in height and weight and the development of motor skills.
6. Q: What changes occur during adolescence?
   A: Adolescence involves rapid physical growth, the development of sexual characteristics, and emotional maturity.
7. Q: What is cognitive development?
   A: Cognitive development is the development of thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
8. Q: Why is emotional maturity important?
   A: Emotional maturity helps individuals understand and manage their emotions and interact well with others.
9. Q: What is social development?
   A: Social development is the ability to form and maintain relationships and understand social norms.
10. Q: How does diet affect growth?
    A: A healthy diet provides the necessary nutrients for proper growth and development.
11. Q: What is the difference between growth and development?
    A: Growth refers to physical changes in size, while development includes emotional, cognitive, and social changes.
12. Q: What happens to human growth after adolescence?
    A: Growth slows down, and the body maintains its structure during adulthood.
13. Q: Why are humans considered social beings?
    A: Humans are social beings because they form communities, build relationships, and depend on each other.
14. Q: Can environmental factors influence growth?
    A: Yes, environmental factors like nutrition, exercise, and living conditions can influence growth.
15. Q: What role does exercise play in growth?
    A: Exercise helps build and maintain muscle mass, supports healthy bones, and contributes to overall physical development.

Presentation:

Step 1: Revising the Previous Topic
Review the previous lesson on the basics of living things and their habitats. Ask students to recall what they learned about how living things grow and develop.

Step 2: Introducing the New Topic
Introduce the topic of human uniqueness and growth by discussing how humans grow and change over time. Use visual aids to illustrate the different stages of growth and development.

Step 3: Allowing Pupils to Contribute
Encourage students to share their experiences of growth, such as changes in height or weight. Discuss these changes and relate them to the different stages of human development.

Teacher’s Activities:

1. Explain the unique characteristics of human beings.
2. Discuss the methods of measuring growth and development.
3. Illustrate the changes in height, weight, and size with visual aids.
4. Guide students in identifying the characteristic features of different developmental stages.
5. Assist students in classifying the types of growth and developmental changes.

Learners’ Activities:

1. Participate in discussions about human uniqueness.
2. Observe and measure growth changes in themselves or others.
3. Share personal experiences of growth and development.
4. Classify growth and developmental changes in group activities.

Evaluation Questions:

1. What makes human beings unique among living things?
2. How is growth measured in humans?
3. At which stage do humans experience rapid growth and development of sexual characteristics?
4. What tool is commonly used to measure a person’s weight?
5. What are the characteristic features of infancy?
6. How does cognitive development differ from physical development?
7. What is social development, and why is it important?
8. Name one factor that can influence human growth.
9. At what stage does emotional maturity typically occur?
10. What is the significance of physical exercise in growth and development?

Conclusion:

• Recap the lesson by reviewing the key points on the uniqueness of human beings and their growth and development.
• Mark students’ work and provide feedback to ensure understanding.

Discover what makes human beings unique and explore the stages of growth and development in this Basic Science lesson for JSS 2 students.”