Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: Second Term
Week: 5
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical Education
Curriculum Theme: Health and Safety in Sports
Previous Lesson: First Aid: Meaning, Principles and Qualities of a First Aider.
Topic: Sports Injuries
Subject Matter: Meaning of sports injuries (harm or damage during sports activity), common sports injuries (bleeding, sprain, strain)
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define sports injuries.
- Enumerate common sports injuries.
- Explain common sports injuries and their basic first aid responses.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of prompt first aid for sports injuries.
- Develop a cautious attitude towards preventing sports injuries.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Demonstrate simple first aid steps for bleeding.
- Demonstrate simple first aid steps for sprains and strains.
Social Domain:
- Participate actively in class discussions.
- Cooperate with peers during practical demonstrations of first aid.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
- State Unified Scheme of Work
- Physical Education for Senior Secondary Schools Textbook.
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- First aid box and its contents (e.g., bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze)
- Textbooks
- Charts showing different types of sports injuries and first aid steps.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand what sports injuries are and how to provide basic first aid. Knowing how to respond to common injuries like bleeding, sprains, and strains is important for safety in sports and everyday life.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of various sports and general safety rules in sports activities.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Sports Injuries
Meaning of Sports Injuries
Sports injuries refer to any harm or damage that occurs to the body during sports activities or exercise. These injuries can affect bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other body tissues.
Common Sports Injuries and Basic First Aid
The following are common sports injuries and their basic first aid responses:
- Bleeding:
- Definition: Loss of blood from the body, often from cuts or abrasions.
- First Aid:
- Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or sterile gauze.
- Elevate the injured part above the heart if possible.
- Maintain pressure until bleeding stops.
- If bleeding is severe or does not stop, seek medical attention immediately.
- Sprain:
- Definition: An injury to a ligament (the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones together in your joints). It often occurs when a joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, causing the ligaments to stretch or tear.
- First Aid (R.I.C.E. Principle):
- R – Rest: Stop the activity and rest the injured joint.
- I – Ice: Apply ice packs to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours to reduce swelling and pain.
- C – Compression: Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling. Ensure it is not too tight.
- E – Elevation: Raise the injured joint above the level of the heart to help reduce swelling.
- Strain:
- Definition: An injury to a muscle or a tendon (the fibrous cords of tissue that attach muscles to bones). It occurs when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn, often due to overexertion or sudden, forceful movements.
- First Aid (R.I.C.E. Principle):
- R – Rest: Stop the activity and rest the injured muscle.
- I – Ice: Apply ice packs to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours to reduce swelling and pain.
- C – Compression: Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling. Ensure it is not too tight.
- E – Elevation: Raise the injured muscle above the level of the heart to help reduce swelling.
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 sports they participate in and some injuries that can occur during these sports.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning sports like football, basketball, and common injuries such as cuts, falls, or twisted ankles.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are introduced to the lesson topic.
Step 2: Meaning of Sports Injuries
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines sports injuries and explains how they occur during physical activities.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition of sports injuries.
Step 3: Common Sports Injuries
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Enumeration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher enumerates and explains common sports injuries such as bleeding, sprains, and strains, using charts as visual aids.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the charts, listen to the explanations, and identify the different types of injuries.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand common sports injuries.
Step 4: First Aid for Bleeding
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the basic first aid steps for bleeding using a first aid box and its contents.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the practical steps for addressing bleeding.
Step 5: First Aid for Sprain and Strain
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the R.I.C.E. principle for treating sprains and strains, explaining each letter.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay attention to the explanation and demonstration of the R.I.C.E. method.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and learn the R.I.C.E. first aid principle.
Step 6: Pupil Demonstration/Practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher invites a few pupils to demonstrate the first aid steps for either bleeding or a sprain/strain.
Pupils’ Activity: Selected pupils demonstrate, while others observe and provide feedback.
Learning Point: Pupils practice and reinforce their understanding of first aid techniques.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is a sports injury?
- Mention three common sports injuries.
- Explain the basic first aid for a minor cut that is bleeding.
- What does the acronym R.I.C.E. stand for in first aid for sprains and strains?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and encourages pupils to always be safety-conscious during sports. The teacher assigns homework for pupils to research other common sports injuries.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: The lesson is concluded with a recap and extension activities.
Lesson Keywords
- Sports Injury – Harm or damage to the body during physical activity.
- Bleeding – Loss of blood from a wound.
- Sprain – Injury to a ligament.
- Strain – Injury to a muscle or tendon.
- First Aid – Immediate care given to an injured person before professional medical help arrives.
- R.I.C.E. – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation; a first aid principle for sprains and strains.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research and present on advanced first aid techniques or other types of sports injuries. For those who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified explanations and one-on-one guidance during practical demonstrations, using simpler language and more visual cues.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Teachers should ensure that the first aid demonstration is conducted safely and hygienically. Emphasize that severe injuries always require professional medical attention. Encourage pupils to actively participate in the practical sessions to build confidence in applying first aid.

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