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Human Development Classification and Factors Affecting Growth for JSS 2

Students examine human development (ii) through explanations, examples and observations, linking the ideas to familiar situations.

Royal AlikorByRoyal AlikorPublishedSep 19, 2026Reading7 minComments0

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

This lesson guides students to understand the classification of human growth and developmental changes as either temporary or permanent, and to identify the various factors that influence these processes. Teachers should prepare visual aids or real-life examples to illustrate these changes effectively. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to clearly differentiate between temporary and permanent changes and explain the factors affecting human development.

Class: JSS 2
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science
Curriculum Theme: Human Development
Previous Lesson: First Term Basic Science Examination
Topic: HUMAN Development (II)
Subject Matter: Classification of growth and developmental changes as temporary/permanent; Factors that affect growth and development

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

  • Describe the classification of growth and developmental changes as temporary or permanent.
  • State examples of temporary and permanent developmental changes.
  • State factors that affect growth and development.

Affective Domain

  • Appreciate the diverse nature of human growth and development.
  • Show interest in understanding the factors influencing human development.

Psychomotor Domain

  • Identify and classify given examples of changes as temporary or permanent.
  • Explain the impact of various factors on growth and development.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

  • 2014 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
  • Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
  • FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Charts showing different stages of human growth
  • Pictures illustrating temporary and permanent changes (e.g., a child losing milk teeth, a person with a scar, a baby growing taller)
  • Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps students understand the natural processes of human growth and development, differentiating between changes that are short-lived and those that are lasting. It provides insight into the various internal and external factors that influence these changes, fostering a deeper appreciation for human biology and health.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of human growth and development from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

HUMAN Development (II)

Classification of Growth and Developmental Changes

Growth and developmental changes in humans can be classified into two main categories:

  1. Temporary Changes: These are changes that occur for a period and then revert to their original state or disappear. They are not permanent features of the body.
  2. Permanent Changes: These are changes that are lasting and irreversible. Once they occur, they remain a part of the individual’s physical or physiological makeup.

Examples of Developmental Changes

Examples of temporary and permanent developmental changes include:

  1. Temporary Changes:
    1. Losing milk teeth: Children lose their milk teeth, which are later replaced by permanent teeth.
    2. Hair growth after a haircut: Hair grows back after being cut.
    3. Healing of minor cuts or bruises: Small wounds heal over time without leaving a lasting mark.
    4. Weight fluctuations: A person’s weight can increase or decrease due to diet or exercise.
  2. Permanent Changes:
    1. Growth in height: Once an individual reaches their adult height, it does not decrease.
    2. Formation of scars: Deep cuts or injuries can leave permanent marks on the skin.
    3. Puberty changes: Development of secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., voice change in boys, breast development in girls) are permanent.
    4. Wrinkles in old age: Skin changes like wrinkles are permanent signs of aging.
    5. Loss of a limb: Amputation of a limb is a permanent physical change.

Factors Affecting Growth and Development

Several factors can influence human growth and development. These include:

  1. Heredity (Genetic Factors): Genes inherited from parents determine many aspects of growth and development, such as potential height, body build, and susceptibility to certain conditions.
  2. Nutrition: A balanced diet providing essential nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals) is crucial for proper growth and development. Malnutrition can lead to stunted growth and developmental delays.
  3. Environment: The physical and social surroundings play a significant role. Factors like clean water, sanitation, exposure to diseases, pollution, and access to education and healthcare all impact development.
  4. Hormones: Hormones produced by glands in the body (e.g., growth hormone, thyroid hormones, sex hormones) regulate various growth processes and developmental stages.
  5. Diseases and Illnesses: Chronic illnesses, infections, and diseases can hinder growth and disrupt normal developmental patterns.
  6. Exercise and Physical Activity: Regular physical activity promotes strong bones, muscles, and overall physical development.
  7. Emotional and Psychological Factors: A supportive and stimulating environment fosters healthy emotional and cognitive development. Stress, neglect, or trauma can negatively impact development.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Observation, Guided Practice

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating prior knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and reviews the previous lesson on human development. The teacher then asks students to mention some changes they have observed in themselves or others as they grow.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to the teacher’s questions and share their observations.

Learning Point: Recalling human development concepts

Step 2: Classification of Changes

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Defining

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the topic “Human Development (II)” and explains that growth and developmental changes can be classified as temporary or permanent. The teacher defines both terms with simple language.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen attentively and ask clarifying questions.

Learning Point: Understanding change classification

Step 3: Examples of Temporary Changes

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Illustrating/Giving examples

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides and explains examples of temporary developmental changes, such as losing milk teeth, hair growth after a haircut, and healing of minor cuts. The teacher may use pictures or ask students for their own examples.

Pupils’ Activity: Students identify and discuss examples of temporary changes.

Learning Point: Identifying temporary changes

Step 4: Examples of Permanent Changes

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Illustrating/Giving examples

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides and explains examples of permanent developmental changes, such as growth in height, formation of scars, and puberty changes. The teacher uses visual aids or real-life scenarios to make the concept clear.

Pupils’ Activity: Students identify and discuss examples of permanent changes.

Learning Point: Identifying permanent changes

Step 5: Introduction to Factors Affecting Growth

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Introducing concepts

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher transitions to the next part of the lesson by asking students what they think makes people grow differently or develop certain features. The teacher then introduces the idea of factors affecting growth and development.

Pupils’ Activity: Students share their ideas and prepare to learn about the factors.

Learning Point: Recognising growth influences

Step 6: Explanation of Factors

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Elaborating

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains key factors affecting growth and development, such as heredity, nutrition, environment, and hormones, providing brief explanations for each. The teacher encourages students to relate these to their own experiences.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, take mental notes, and contribute to the discussion.

Learning Point: Understanding growth factors

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. Differentiate between temporary and permanent developmental changes.
  2. Give two examples of temporary changes.
  3. Give two examples of permanent changes.
  4. Mention three factors that affect human growth and development.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessing lesson comprehension

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 the classification of changes and factors affecting growth into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 0 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly recaps the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding how human development occurs and what influences it. The teacher encourages students to observe these changes around them.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and reflect on the lesson.

Learning Point: Consolidating lesson understanding

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

  1. List three temporary changes you have observed in yourself or someone you know.
  2. List three permanent changes you have observed in yourself or someone you know.
  3. Explain how nutrition can affect a child’s growth.
  4. Research and write a short paragraph on how hormones influence human development.

Lesson Keywords

  • Growth – Increase in size and mass.
  • Development – Progress in skills and capabilities.
  • Temporary changes – Changes that do not last forever.
  • Permanent changes – Changes that are lasting and irreversible.
  • Heredity – Traits passed from parents to offspring.
  • Nutrition – Food and how it affects the body.
  • Hormones – Chemical messengers in the body.

Differentiation

For learners needing support: The teacher will provide simplified examples and use more visual aids. They will be paired with stronger students for guided discussion and note-taking. The teacher will also offer one-on-one assistance to clarify concepts.

For learners needing enrichment: These students will be encouraged to research additional factors affecting human development, such as socio-economic status or cultural practices, and present their findings to the class.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for:

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