Class: primary 5
Term: 2nd Term
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Physical and Health Education
Previous Lesson: Sources Of Nutrition in Meaning Of Food And Nutrition
Topic: Characteristics and Prevention of Deficiency Diseases
Content/Learning Area: Characteristics of deficiency diseases. Prevention of deficiency diseases.
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able too:
- Cognitive Domain:
1. Define deficiency diseases and mention five examples.
2.List five characteristics of deficiency diseases.
- Affective Domain:
1. appreciate the importance of balanced nutrition in preventing diseases.
- psychomotor Domain:
1. Identify images or drawings of symptoms of deficiency diseases.
- Social Domain:
1. Discuss the role of family and community in preventing deficiency diseases.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja educational Resource centre Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Facts from: Britannica – Nutritional disease | Definition, examples, & Facts
- Relevant textbooks on Basic Science and Technology
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
- Flashcards with images of symptoms of deficiency diseases
- Chart showing a balanced diet
- A whiteboard and marker
- Examples of foods rich in essential nutrients (real or pictures)
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding deficiency diseases helps pupils recognize the importance of balanced nutrition, which is essential for maintaining good health and preventing illnesses.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have basic knowledge of food and nutrition from the previous lesson.
lesson Content
Characteristics and Prevention of Deficiency Diseases
Deficiency diseases occur when the body lacks essential nutrients.These diseases can affect growth, energy levels, and overall health.
Characteristics of Deficiency Diseases:
Deficiency diseases manifest through various signs and symptoms due to the lack of specific nutrients. The following are:
- weakness and fatigue.
- Stunted physical or mental growth.
- Pale skin or brittle nails.
- Frequent illnesses due to low immunity.
- Poor vision, especially at night.
- Swollen gums that bleed easily.
- Difficulty concentrating and learning.
Prevention of Deficiency Diseases:
Preventing deficiency diseases involves adopting healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices to ensure adequate nutrient intake. These include:
- Eat a balanced diet containing carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
- Consume fruits and vegetables daily.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid junk food.
- seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
- Educate others about the importance of proper nutrition.
- Take supplements if dietary intake is insufficient, as advised by a healthcare professional.
- Promote food fortification programs in the community to address widespread nutrient deficiencies.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Interactive Questioning, Lecture Method, Discussion Method, Guided Discovery, Demonstration, Direct Instruction.
Instructional procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Asks pupils about the meaning of food and its importance.
Pupils’ Activity: Respond by sharing thier ideas.
Step 2: Clarification of Topic
Time: 10 mins
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Defines deficiency diseases and explains their causes and examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and observe visual aids.
Step 3: Characteristics
Time: 8 mins
Teaching Skill: Discussion Facilitation
Teacher’s Activity: Leads a discussion on five characteristics of deficiency diseases.
Pupils’ Activity: Participate actively in the discussion.
Step 4: Prevention
Time: 7 mins
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Shows examples of balanced meals and explains how to prevent diseases.
Pupils’ Activity: Identify balanced meals and note the nutrients.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 5 mins
teaching Skill: Direct Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils to copy a concise note into their exercise books.
Pupils’ Activity: Write down the lesson note.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 3 mins
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Asks questions to assess comprehension of the topic.Pupils’ Activity: Answer the questions orally.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Define deficiency diseases and mention five examples.
- List five characteristics of deficiency diseases.
- Identify images or drawings of symptoms of deficiency diseases.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 mins
Teaching Skill: Recap
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the lesson and emphasizes key points.
Pupils’ Activity: Share one thing they learned from the lesson.
Lesson Keywords
- Deficiency Disease – A disease caused by the lack of essential nutrients in the diet.
- Balanced Diet – A diet that contains the right proportions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.
- Nutrients – Substances that provide nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.
- Symptoms – Physical or mental features which are regarded as indicating a condition of disease.
- prevention – The action of stopping something from happening or arising.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Define deficiency diseases.
- mention three examples of deficiency diseases.
- List two characteristics of deficiency diseases.
- State three ways to prevent deficiency diseases.
- Discuss how families can support proper nutrition.
Assignment/Homework
- Research and write about a specific deficiency disease, including its causes, symptoms, and prevention.
- create a meal plan for one day that includes all the essential nutrients.
- Interview a family member about their eating habits and suggest ways to improve their diet.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: provide simplified notes and visual aids, and offer one-on-one support during activities.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to research and present on less common deficiency diseases and their global impact.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use flashcards, discussions, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Encourage active participation by making the lesson interactive and relatable. Use real-life examples and ensure pupils understand the meaning of balanced nutrition. Happy teaching!

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