Diseases caused by pathogens and Disease preventive measures for JSS 1

Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical and Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Health and wellness
Focal competence: Identifying diseases caused by pathogens and applying effective prevention methods to protect personal and community health
Key competencies/values: Communication; ICT and Digital Competencies; Research; Problem solving
Skills:

• Identifying of diseases caused by pathogens

Previous Lesson: Meaning of pathogen and disease
Topic: Pathogens, Diseases And Prevention: Diseases Caused By Pathogens
Subject Matter: Diseases caused by pathogens, Disease preventive measures

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• State the uses of safe water.
• Identify diseases caused by pathogens.
• Explain disease preventive measures.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Physical and Health Education for Junior Secondary Schools 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Video clips showing diseases caused by pathogens
• Charts/posters illustrating different diseases and preventive measures
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important as it equips students with knowledge about common diseases caused by pathogens and how to prevent them. Understanding these concepts helps students protect their personal health and contributes to the well-being of their families and communities. It fosters healthy habits and responsible health practices.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of health, hygiene, and the importance of cleanliness in their environment.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Pathogens, Diseases And Prevention: Diseases Caused By Pathogens

What are Pathogens?

Pathogens are tiny living organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that can cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants. They are often too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Diseases Caused by Pathogens

Many common diseases are caused by pathogens. These diseases can spread in various ways, including through contaminated water, food, air, direct contact, or insect bites.

Examples of diseases caused by pathogens include:

1. Malaria: Caused by a parasite transmitted through mosquito bites.
2. Typhoid Fever: Caused by bacteria found in contaminated food and water.
3. Cholera: Caused by bacteria, primarily spread through contaminated water.
4. Tuberculosis (TB): Caused by bacteria that usually affect the lungs, spread through the air.
5. Common Cold: Caused by various viruses, spread through respiratory droplets.
6. Measles: Caused by a virus, highly contagious and spread through air and direct contact.
7. Chickenpox: Caused by a virus, spread through direct contact or airborne droplets.
8. HIV/AIDS: Caused by a virus, transmitted through specific bodily fluids.

Uses of Safe Water

Safe water is water that is free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, making it fit for drinking and other domestic uses. Using safe water is crucial for preventing many waterborne diseases.

The uses of safe water include:

1. Drinking: Essential for hydration and overall body function without introducing pathogens.
2. Cooking: Used in preparing food to ensure meals are free from waterborne contaminants.
3. Bathing and Personal Hygiene: For washing hands, bathing, and brushing teeth to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of germs.
4. Washing Fruits and Vegetables: To clean produce before consumption, removing dirt and potential pathogens.
5. Cleaning Utensils and Surfaces: For washing dishes, kitchen surfaces, and other household items to maintain a hygienic environment.

Disease Preventive Measures

Preventive measures are actions taken to stop diseases from occurring or spreading. Practicing good hygiene and following health guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Key disease preventive measures include:

1. Personal Hygiene:
   • Regular handwashing with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
   • Bathing daily to keep the body clean.
   • Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
2. Environmental Hygiene:
   • Keeping homes and surroundings clean.
   • Proper disposal of waste.
   • Ensuring good ventilation in living spaces.
3. Safe Water and Food Practices:
   • Drinking only safe, treated, or boiled water.
   • Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
   • Cooking food properly and storing it safely to prevent contamination.
4. Vaccination:
   • Getting vaccinated against preventable diseases like measles, polio, and tetanus.
5. Vector Control:
   • Controlling insects and rodents (vectors) that transmit diseases (e.g., using mosquito nets, clearing stagnant water).
6. Avoiding Contact with Sick Individuals:
   • Minimising close contact with people who are sick to prevent transmission.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Video Presentation, Group Work.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them what they understand by “sickness” or “illness.” The teacher then asks if they know what causes some sicknesses.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to the teacher’s questions, sharing their ideas about sickness and its causes.

Learning Point: Prior sickness knowledge

Step 2: Introduction to Pathogens and Diseases

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Video Presentation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the concept of pathogens and explains that they are tiny organisms that cause diseases. The teacher then shows a short video clip illustrating different types of pathogens and some diseases they cause.

Pupils’ Activity: Students watch the video clip attentively and listen to the teacher’s explanation, asking questions for clarity.

Learning Point: Pathogen concept

Step 3: Identifying Diseases Caused by Pathogens

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussion/Chart Analysis

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays charts/posters showing various diseases caused by pathogens (e.g., malaria, typhoid, cholera). The teacher guides students to identify these diseases and briefly discusses how each is caused.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the charts, identify the diseases, and participate in the discussion, naming diseases they know.

Learning Point: Disease identification

Step 4: Uses of Safe Water

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Question and Answer

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what safe water is and why it is important. The teacher then asks students to state various uses of safe water in their daily lives, listing their responses on the board.

Pupils’ Activity: Students actively participate by stating different uses of safe water, such as drinking, cooking, and washing.

Learning Point: Safe water uses

Step 5: Explaining Disease Preventive Measures

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains various disease preventive measures, such as personal hygiene (handwashing), environmental hygiene, safe food/water practices, and vaccination. The teacher may demonstrate proper handwashing technique.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen to the explanations, observe the demonstration, and ask questions for better understanding.

Learning Point: Disease prevention methods

Step 6: Group Brainstorming on Preventive Measures

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Group Work/Problem Solving

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into groups and gives them assumed situations (e.g., “What would you do to prevent cholera in your community?”). Each group brainstorms and discusses disease preventive measures for their situation.

Pupils’ Activity: Students work in groups, brainstorm ideas, and discuss practical preventive measures for the given situations. A representative from each group shares their findings.

Learning Point: Prevention application

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Mention three uses of safe water.
2. Name two diseases caused by pathogens.
3. State three ways to prevent diseases.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Disease prevention understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on diseases caused by pathogens, safe water uses, and preventive measures into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Notes copying

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reminding students that understanding pathogens and practicing preventive measures are key to staying healthy. The teacher encourages students to apply what they have learned in their daily lives.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and acknowledge the importance of the lesson.

Learning Point: Lesson consolidation

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. List five diseases caused by different types of pathogens and state one way each can be prevented.
2. Explain why proper handwashing is an important disease preventive measure.
3. Ask your parents/guardians about any traditional methods they use to keep their homes clean and healthy.

Lesson Keywords

• Pathogens – Microorganisms that cause disease.
• Disease – An illness or sickness affecting a person, animal, or plant.
• Prevention – Actions taken to stop something from happening.
• Hygiene – Practices that help to maintain health and prevent the spread of disease.
• Vaccination – The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease.
• Safe Water – Water that is clean and free from harmful substances, suitable for drinking.

Differentiation

For slower learners, provide simplified charts and focus on identifying only two common diseases and two basic preventive measures. Faster learners can research additional diseases caused by pathogens and present their findings to the class, or suggest innovative ways to promote disease prevention in their community.

Suggested Lesson Videos

YouTube search: JSS1 diseases caused by pathogens prevention

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure all instructional materials, especially video clips and charts, are prepared and easily accessible. Begin by engaging students with questions about their experiences with sickness to connect to prior knowledge. Use the video clips to visually introduce pathogens and the diseases they cause, fostering a deeper understanding. During the discussion on uses of safe water and preventive measures, encourage students to share examples from their daily lives. The group brainstorming activity is crucial for applying learned concepts; circulate among groups to provide guidance and ensure all students participate. During note-taking (Step 8), guide students to copy the Board Summary accurately. Emphasise the importance of applying preventive measures in real life. Check for understanding throughout the lesson and provide additional support for weaker learners while challenging faster learners with extension activities.