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The Human Body, Vertebra for Primary 5

The vertebra forms the backbone and is part of the axial skeleton. It protects the spinal cord, supports the body, and allows movement.

Royal AlikorByRoyal AlikorPublishedJan 1, 2025Reading4 minComments0

Class: Primary 5
term: 2nd Term
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
Previous Lesson: Types Of Bone in The Human Body
Topic: The Human Body: Vertebra
Content/learning Area: Vertebra (Cervical, Thoracic, lumbar, Sacrum, Coccyx)
Time Allocation: 40 minutes


Performance Objectives

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

  • Cognitive Domain: Define vertebra and mention its types.
  • Affective Domain: Appreciate the importance of the vertebra in supporting the body.
  • Psychomotor Domain: Demonstrate the location of the vertebra on a diagram.
  • Social Domain: Collaborate with peers to identify vertebra bones during group activity.

Reference materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

  • 9–Years Basic Education Curriculum
  • Abuja Educational Resource Center Scheme of Work
  • NAPPS national Unified Scheme of Work
  • Online Information from: Wikipedia – Vertebra
  • Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will employ the help of the following materials:

  • Charts showing the human skeleton.
  • Models of the human skeleton.
  • Flashcards with labels for each type of vertebra.
  • Marker and whiteboard.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding the vertebra is essential because it provides support to the body, protects the spinal cord, and enables movement. It helps pupils appreciate their body structure and function.


Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of the types of bones in the human body and can identify some major bones from the previous lesson.


Lesson Content

The Human Body: Vertebra

The vertebra forms the backbone and is part of the axial skeleton. It protects the spinal cord,supports the body,and allows movement. The vertebra consists of 33 small bones stacked together. These are grouped as follows:

Types of Vertebra:
The vertebra consists of 33 small bones stacked together. These include:

  1. Cervical vertebrae (7): Found in the neck, they support the head and allow its movement.
  2. thoracic vertebrae (12): Found in the upper back, they connect to the ribs.
  3. Lumbar vertebrae (5): Found in the lower back, they bear most of the body’s weight.
  4. Sacrum (5 fused bones): Found at the pelvis, they support the hips.
  5. Coccyx (4 fused bones): Known as the tailbone, it supports minor movements.

Teaching Methods

To deliver this lesson,‌ ⁤the teacher will⁤ adopt⁤ the following methods: Set Induction, explanation, Demonstration, Group Discussion, Guided Writing, Questioning, Recap and Feedback


instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Asks pupils to recall major bones studied in the last lesson.Pupils’ Activity: Respond to questions.

Step 2: Explanation of Vertebra

Time: 10 minutes
teaching Skill: Direct instruction
Teacher’s Activity: Explains what the vertebra is and its importance.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively.

Step 3: Illustration of vertebra Types

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Uses a chart to show the vertebra types and points to each.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe and ask questions.

Step 4: Group Activity on Vertebra

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Group discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Groups pupils to label vertebra types on flashcards.
pupils’ Activity: Work in groups to complete activity.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided writing
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils to write the lesson content.
Pupils’ Activity: Copy notes into their books.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: asks evaluation questions.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer questions.

Objective-aligned checks:

  1. Define vertebra and mention its types.
  2. Demonstrate the location of the vertebra on a diagram.
  3. Collaborate with peers to identify vertebra bones during group activity.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: Final minute
Teaching Skill: Recap and feedback
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the lesson and assigns homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Reflect on the lesson.


Lesson Keywords

  • vertebra – The bones that make up the spinal column.
  • Cervical – The vertebrae in the neck region.
  • Thoracic – The vertebrae in the upper back that connect to the ribs.
  • Lumbar – The vertebrae in the lower back that bear the body’s weight.
  • Sacrum – The fused bones at the base of the spine that connect to the pelvis.
  • Coccyx – The tailbone, the last part of the vertebral column.

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

  1. Define vertebra and state its main function.
  2. List the types of vertebra and mention their locations.
  3. Why is the lumbar vertebra critically important?
  4. What connects the thoracic vertebra to the ribs?
  5. Which vertebra group supports the head?

Assignment/Homework

  1. Draw and label the different types of vertebra.
  2. Explain the importance of the vertebral column in the human body.
  3. Research and write a short note on common injuries related to the vertebra.

Differentiation

  • For slower learners: Provide simplified diagrams and one-on-one assistance during the group activity.
  • For advanced learners: challenge them to research and present on diseases related to the vertebra.
  • for visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids,verbal explanations,and hands-on models to cater to different learning styles.

note for Teachers

use real-life examples to explain the importance of the vertebra. Allow pupils to handle the chart or model for better engagement. Encourage questions and active participation throughout the lesson. Happy teaching!

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The Human Body, Vertebra for Primary 5
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