Class: Primary Four
Term: Second Term
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
Previous Lesson: Human Body, The Mouth III
Topic: The Work of the Salivary Gland and Saliva
Content/learning Area: What is Saliva?, Functions of saliva in Feeding, Importance of saliva in the digestive process
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
- Understand the functions of saliva and the salivary gland.
- Explain the importance of saliva in the digestive process.
- Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of saliva in digestion and oral health.
- Psychomotor Domain:
- Demonstrate understanding through answering questions about saliva.
- Social Domain:
- Discuss the social aspects of saliva in food tasting and digestion.
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 employ the help of the following materials: Charts, Pictures, Whiteboard or projector.
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding the salivary glands and saliva is crucial for comprehending the digestive system. This knowledge promotes good oral hygiene habits and contributes to overall health.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
The teacher will start by asking pupils what they know about the mouth and its functions.A brief discussion will follow, leading into the topic of saliva and its role.
Lesson Content
what is Saliva?
Saliva is a clear liquid made by glands in your mouth. It’s very crucial for digestion and keeping your mouth healthy. It plays a vital role in many processes.
Functions of Saliva in Feeding:
Saliva performs several key functions that aid in feeding and digestion.
The following are functions of saliva in feeding:
- Saliva begins digestion by breaking down starches (like those in bread and potatoes) into simpler sugars.
- It makes swallowing easier by lubricating your mouth.
- It helps you taste food by dissolving food particles.
- It contains special substances (enzymes) that help digest food.
- it cleans your mouth by washing away food and bacteria.
- It helps form a food ball (bolus) for easier swallowing.
- It protects your teeth by neutralizing acids and helping repair tooth enamel.
- It aids in speech by keeping the mouth moist.
- It prevents bad breath by washing away odor-causing bacteria.
importance of saliva in the digestive process:
Saliva plays a crucial role in the digestive process, starting from the moment food enters the mouth.
These include:
- Starts Digestion: An enzyme in saliva called amylase starts breaking down starches.
- Lubrication for Swallowing: Saliva moistens food, making it easier to swallow.
- Taste Enhancement: Saliva dissolves food, letting you taste it better.
- Oral Health: Saliva cleans your mouth,reducing tooth decay and gum disease.
- Neutralizing Acids: Saliva helps neutralize acids in the mouth, protecting tooth enamel.
- Aiding Bolus Formation: Saliva helps form a food ball (bolus) for easier swallowing.
- Facilitating Nutrient Absorption: By breaking down food, saliva helps in the absorption of nutrients.
- Maintaining pH Balance: Saliva helps maintain the right pH balance in the mouth for optimal enzyme activity.
- Protecting the Esophagus: The lubricating effect of saliva protects the esophagus during swallowing.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Question and answer, Clarification.
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction (Set Induction)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Ask pupils what they know about the mouth and its functions.Introduce the topic: The Work of the Salivary Gland and saliva.Pupils’ Activity: Respond to teacher’s questions and listen attentively.
Step 2: explanation of Key Concepts
Time: 15 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Explain what saliva is, its composition, and its functions in digestion and oral health.
Pupils’ Activity: listen attentively and take notes.
step 3: Demonstration/Guided Practice
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Use visuals to illustrate the functions of saliva. Guide pupils through examples of how saliva helps in digestion and oral hygiene.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe the demonstration and participate in discussions.
Step 4: Self-reliant Practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Ask pupils questions to assess their understanding of the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer the questions individually.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Note-taking
Teacher’s Activity: Guide pupils in summarizing key points of the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Take notes and summarize key points.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Evaluation
Teacher’s Activity: Review the lesson and answer any remaining questions.
Pupils’ Activity: Participate in the review and ask questions.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: Summarize the main points of the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen to the summary and ask any final questions.
Lesson Keywords
- Saliva – A clear liquid produced in the mouth that aids in digestion.
- Salivary Gland – Glands in the mouth that produce saliva.
- Digestion – The process of breaking down food into smaller parts for the body to use.
- Amylase – An enzyme in saliva that breaks down starches.
- Bolus – A ball of chewed food mixed with saliva, ready to be swallowed.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- What is the main enzyme in saliva, and what does it do?
- how does saliva help keep your mouth clean?
- Explain how saliva helps digest food.
- What are some ways to keep our mouths healthy?
- Why is it significant to brush your teeth after meals?
Assignment/Homework
- Draw a diagram of the mouth and label the salivary glands.
- Write a short paragraph explaining the importance of saliva in digestion.
- List three ways to keep your mouth healthy and explain why each is important.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and use simpler language.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to research further on the topic and present their findings.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, verbal explanations, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Ensure to use real-life examples and demonstrations to make the lesson engaging and relatable for the pupils. Encourage active participation and provide positive reinforcement to build their confidence.

Community Join the conversation Open discussion +