Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 10
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Health Education
Previous Lesson: Drug Education Cont..
Topic: DISEASES
Subject Matter: definition of disease, classes of diseases, communicable diseases, non communicable diseases, differences between communicable and non communicable diseases

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define disease.
Identify the two main classes of diseases.
State examples of communicable diseases.
State examples of non-communicable diseases.
Differentiate between communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of understanding different types of diseases.
Show interest in learning about disease prevention.

Psychomotor Domain:

List various diseases after observation of charts.
Categorise given diseases into communicable or non-communicable.

Promote awareness about disease classification within their communities.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Health Education.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
Essential Health Education for Senior Secondary Schools 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Posters showing various diseases and their classifications.
Charts illustrating examples of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the different categories of diseases that affect human health. Knowing the types of diseases enables pupils to better understand how to prevent them and maintain good health in their daily lives.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of health, illness, and some common diseases from earlier classes.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

DISEASES

Definition of Disease

A disease is any condition that impairs the normal functioning of an organism. It is a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific signs or symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct physical injury.

Classes of Diseases

Diseases are broadly classified into two main types:

Communicable Diseases
Non-Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by infectious agents (like bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) that can be transmitted from an infected person, animal, or contaminated source to another person. They are also known as infectious or contagious diseases.

Examples of communicable diseases include:

Malaria
Tuberculosis (TB)
HIV/AIDS
Cholera
Typhoid fever
Measles
Influenza (Flu)

Non-Communicable Diseases

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are medical conditions or diseases that are non-infectious and non-transmissible among people. They are often chronic diseases that progress slowly and are typically caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Examples of non-communicable diseases include:

Diabetes
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Cancer
Asthma
Heart disease
Stroke
Sickle cell anaemia

Differences between Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases

The following points highlight the differences between communicable and non-communicable diseases:

Communicable diseases are caused by pathogens and can spread from one person to another, while non-communicable diseases are not caused by pathogens and cannot spread.
Communicable diseases often have a sudden onset and are acute, whereas non-communicable diseases usually develop slowly and are chronic.
Communicable diseases are preventable through vaccination, hygiene, and isolation, while non-communicable diseases are largely prevented through lifestyle modifications and early detection.
Examples of communicable diseases include flu and tuberculosis; examples of non-communicable diseases include diabetes and cancer.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to mention some common illnesses they know. The teacher then writes “DISEASES” on the board and introduces the topic by stating that diseases affect everyone and it is important to understand their types.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the topic and activate prior knowledge about illnesses.

Step 2: Definition of Disease

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to define “disease” in their own words. After receiving various responses, the teacher provides a clear definition of disease and writes it on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to define disease and copy the correct definition from the board.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of disease.

Step 3: Classes of Diseases

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Classification/Categorisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses the instructional charts to introduce the two main classes of diseases: communicable and non-communicable diseases. The teacher explains that diseases can be grouped based on how they spread or develop.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the charts and listen to the teacher’s explanation of disease classification.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the two main categories of diseases.

Step 4: Communicable Diseases

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines communicable diseases, explaining that they are infectious and can spread. The teacher then uses the charts to show and discuss examples of communicable diseases like malaria, cholera, and measles, asking pupils to identify other examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the definition, identify examples from the charts, and contribute more examples.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what communicable diseases are and can identify examples.

Step 5: Non-Communicable Diseases

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines non-communicable diseases, emphasising that they are not infectious and do not spread from person to person. The teacher uses the charts to illustrate and discuss examples such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, encouraging pupils to mention others.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the definition, identify examples from the charts, and provide additional examples.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what non-communicable diseases are and can identify examples.

Step 6: Differences between Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Comparison/Differentiation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion comparing and contrasting communicable and non-communicable diseases, highlighting key differences such as cause, mode of transmission, and typical duration. The teacher writes the main points of difference on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in the discussion, identifying differences, and take notes from the board.
Learning Point: Pupils can distinguish between communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Define disease in your own words.
Mention the two main classes of diseases.
List three examples of communicable diseases.
State two differences between communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating the definition of disease, its two main classes, and the differences between them. The teacher assigns homework for pupils to research one common disease from each class.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary, ask any remaining questions, and note down the homework.
Learning Point: The lesson is concluded with a recap and assignment.

Lesson Keywords

Disease – Any condition that impairs the normal functioning of an organism.
Communicable – Refers to diseases that can be transmitted from one person or animal to another.
Non-communicable – Refers to diseases that are not infectious and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Pathogen – A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
Infectious – Caused by or capable of being transmitted by infection.
Chronic – (Of a disease or condition) persisting for a long time or constantly recurring.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they will be encouraged to research specific prevention methods for each disease class. For pupils requiring more support, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and more direct examples, using one-on-one checks and peer support.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to share personal experiences (if comfortable) with common diseases to make the lesson more relatable. Ensure the charts and posters are clear and visible to all pupils. Emphasise the practical importance of understanding disease classification for personal and public health.