class: Primary Three
Term: First Term
Subject: National Values Education
Curriculum Theme: Social Studies
Previous Lesson: Meaning, Causes and Effects of Food Poisoning
Topic: Drugs
Content/Learning Area: Understanding Drugs, Difference between Medicine and Hard Drugs
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
1. Define drugs and list two types with examples.
2. Explain the concepts of medicine and hard drugs.
3. List the differences between medicine and hard drugs.
- Psychomotor Domain:
1. Actively participate in class discussions.
2. Correctly identify examples of medicine and hard drugs.
- Affective domain:
1. Show an understanding of the importance of responsible drug use.
2. demonstrate respect for the advice of medical professionals.
- Social Domain:
1. Cooperate with peers during group activities.
2. Share their understanding of drugs with others.
Reference Materials
- 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja educational Resource center Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Details
- Relevant textbooks
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use a whiteboard or chart paper, markers, and relevant pictures or illustrations.
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding the difference between medicine and hard drugs is crucial for pupils’ health and safety. This lesson provides a foundation for making informed choices about substances and promotes responsible behaviour.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have a basic understanding of health and illness.
Lesson Content
Understanding Drugs
Drugs are substances that affect how our bodies work. They can be natural (from plants) or synthetic (man-made).
Examples are:
- Synthetic drugs: These are man-made,like some painkillers.
- Natural drugs: These come from plants,such as certain herbs.
- Prescription drugs: These are prescribed by a doctor for specific conditions.
- Over-the-counter drugs: These can be bought without a prescription, like paracetamol.
Difference between Medicine and Hard Drugs
Medicine helps us when we are sick, while hard drugs are harmful and can make people sick.
These include:
- Medicine: Medicine helps us when we are sick.Doctors give it to us. Examples include painkillers, malaria drugs, and cough medicine.
- Hard Drugs: These are harmful and can make people sick. Doctors do not give them to us. Examples include cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.
- Prescription Medicine: These are prescribed by doctors to treat specific illnesses and should be taken as directed.
- Illegal Drugs: These are substances that are prohibited by law due to their harmful effects on health and society.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Clarification, Question and answer.
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Asks pupils what they know about medicine and its uses.
Pupils’ Activity: Respond to the teacher’s questions, sharing their prior knowledge.
Step 2: Clarification of Key Concepts
Time: 15 minutes
teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Explains the definition of drugs,differentiating between medicine and hard drugs with examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and ask clarifying questions.
Step 3: Examples of Medicine and Hard Drugs
Time: 10 minutes
teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: Presents examples of medicine and hard drugs, guiding pupils to identify each.
Pupils’ Activity: participate in identifying examples and discuss their characteristics.
Step 4: Self-reliant Practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Independent Practice
Teacher’s Activity: Asks pupils to list examples of medicine and hard drugs individually.
Pupils’ Activity: Complete the task independently.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Note-taking
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils in summarizing key points.
Pupils’ Activity: Take notes on the key concepts.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Asks review questions to assess understanding.Pupils’ Activity: answer the review questions.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Define drugs and list two types with examples.
- Explain the concepts of medicine and hard drugs.
- List the differences between medicine and hard drugs.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the key points and emphasizes the importance of making safe and healthy choices regarding drugs.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and ask any remaining questions.
Lesson Keywords
- Drugs – substances that affect how our bodies work.
- Medicine – Substances that help us when we are sick.
- Hard Drugs – harmful substances that can make people sick.
- Synthetic drugs – Man-made drugs.
- Natural drugs – Drugs that come from plants.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning,the teacher asks pupils to:
- What are drugs? Give an example.
- What is the difference between medicine and hard drugs?
- Why is it critically vital to only take medicine given by a doctor?
- Name three examples of hard drugs.
- What should you do if someone offers you a drug you don’t know?
Assignment/Homework
- List five examples of medicine found in your home.
- Research and write a short paragraph on the dangers of drug abuse.
- Ask a family member about the importance of taking medicine as prescribed by a doctor.
differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and use simpler language.
- For advanced learners: Encourage further research on the topic and ask them to prepare a short presentation on drug abuse prevention.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, audio recordings, and hands-on activities to reinforce learning.
Note for Teachers
ensure to use real-life examples and scenarios to make the lesson relatable and engaging for the pupils. Emphasize the importance of seeking help from trusted adults if they encounter any issues related to drugs.

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