Pathogens, Diseases & Their Prevention | JSS 1 PHE Lesson Note

Physical and Health Education JSS 1 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 6

Topic: Pathogens, Diseases, and Their Prevention


Lesson Details:

  • Subject: Physical and Health Education
  • Class: JSS 1
  • Term: Second Term
  • Week: 6
  • Age: 10–12 years
  • Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Define pathogens and diseases.
  2. Identify different types of diseases caused by pathogens.
  3. Differentiate between communicable and non-communicable diseases.
  4. Explain ways to prevent diseases.
  5. Describe the importance of hygiene, immunization, and a clean environment in disease prevention.

Keywords:

  • Pathogens
  • Communicable diseases
  • Non-communicable diseases
  • Hygiene
  • Immunization
  • Vaccination

Set Induction:

The teacher asks students if they have ever fallen sick and what they think caused the illness. The teacher explains that many diseases are caused by tiny organisms called pathogens.


Entry Behaviour:

Students have learned about health and hygiene in previous lessons.


Learning Resources and Materials:

  • Charts showing different diseases and their causes
  • Videos or images of microorganisms that cause diseases
  • Samples of hygiene materials (soap, hand sanitizers, face masks)

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have learned about personal hygiene and the importance of clean environments.


Embedded Core Skills:

  • Critical thinking
  • Health awareness
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication

Lesson Content:

1. Meaning of Pathogens and Diseases

  • Pathogens are microorganisms that cause diseases. They include:

    1. Bacteria – Cause diseases like tuberculosis and cholera.
    2. Viruses – Cause diseases like COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and polio.
    3. Fungi – Cause diseases like athlete’s foot and ringworm.
    4. Protozoa – Cause diseases like malaria and sleeping sickness.
  • Diseases are illnesses that affect the normal functioning of the body.


2. Types of Diseases

A. Communicable Diseases

These are diseases that can spread from one person to another through contact, air, water, or food. Examples include:

  • Malaria
  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Measles
  • Cholera
  • COVID-19

B. Non-Communicable Diseases

These are diseases that do not spread from one person to another. They are often caused by poor lifestyle choices, genetic factors, or environmental conditions. Examples include:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Cancer
  • Asthma

3. Disease Preventive Measures

A. Adequate Nutrition and Exercise

  • Eating balanced meals rich in vitamins and minerals boosts the immune system.
  • Regular exercise helps strengthen the body and prevent obesity-related diseases.

B. Clean Environment

A clean environment helps prevent the spread of diseases. Ways to maintain a clean environment include:

  • Use of Safe Water: Drinking clean and treated water prevents waterborne diseases like cholera.
  • Proper Disposal of Refuse and Sewage: Helps prevent the breeding of disease-carrying organisms like mosquitoes and rats.
  • Good Ventilation: Fresh air reduces the risk of respiratory infections.

C. Seeking and Getting Treatment on Time

  • Early treatment helps prevent complications and the spread of infectious diseases.

D. Good Hygiene Practices

  • Bathing regularly and washing hands with soap reduce the spread of germs.
  • Proper food handling prevents foodborne illnesses.

E. Immunization and Vaccination

  • Immunization protects against deadly diseases like polio, measles, and tetanus.
  • Vaccination strengthens the body’s defense against infections.

F. Health Education

  • Learning about diseases and their prevention helps individuals make healthier choices.

Evaluation Questions (Fill in the Blanks):

  1. Organisms that cause diseases are called ________.
    a) Vitamins
    b) Pathogens
    c) Nutrients
    d) Cells

  2. Malaria is caused by ________.
    a) Bacteria
    b) Virus
    c) Protozoa
    d) Fungi

  3. A disease that spreads from person to person is called ________.
    a) Non-communicable
    b) Communicable
    c) Chronic
    d) Genetic

  4. One example of a non-communicable disease is ________.
    a) Tuberculosis
    b) Cholera
    c) Hypertension
    d) Measles

  5. The best way to prevent cholera is by drinking ________.
    a) Dirty water
    b) Contaminated water
    c) Safe and treated water
    d) Sugary drinks

  6. Proper disposal of refuse prevents the breeding of ________.
    a) Rats and mosquitoes
    b) Birds and fish
    c) Dogs and cats
    d) Trees and flowers

  7. The best way to prevent measles is through ________.
    a) Drinking water
    b) Exercise
    c) Vaccination
    d) Eating vegetables

  8. A clean environment helps prevent ________.
    a) Infections
    b) Good health
    c) Both a and b
    d) None of the above

  9. Washing hands regularly helps prevent ________ diseases.
    a) Communicable
    b) Non-communicable
    c) Chronic
    d) Genetic

  10. Fresh air and proper ventilation help prevent ________ infections.
    a) Skin
    b) Respiratory
    c) Bone
    d) Eye


Class Activity Discussion (FAQs with Answers):

  1. What are pathogens?

    • Pathogens are microorganisms that cause diseases.
  2. What is the difference between communicable and non-communicable diseases?

    • Communicable diseases spread from person to person, while non-communicable diseases do not.
  3. How can we prevent malaria?

    • By using mosquito nets, avoiding stagnant water, and keeping the environment clean.
  4. Why is clean water important?

    • It helps prevent diseases like cholera and typhoid.
  5. What is the role of vaccines?

    • Vaccines help protect the body from infectious diseases.
  6. Why is handwashing important?

    • It removes germs and prevents infections.
  7. How does exercise help in disease prevention?

    • It keeps the body strong and prevents obesity-related diseases.
  8. What are some examples of communicable diseases?

    • Measles, tuberculosis, and COVID-19.
  9. Why is proper ventilation important?

    • It reduces the spread of respiratory diseases.
  10. How does immunization help in disease prevention?

    • It strengthens the immune system against infections.

Presentation Steps:

  1. Introduction: The teacher defines pathogens and diseases.
  2. Explanation: The teacher describes types of diseases and their causes.
  3. Discussion: The teacher and students discuss disease prevention methods.
  4. Practical Demonstration: The teacher shows hygiene practices like handwashing.
  5. Conclusion: The teacher summarizes key points and asks students questions.

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