Class: Primary 5
Term: 3rd Term
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Physical And health Education
Previous Lesson: Meaning Of Signs And Symptoms Of Diseases
Topic: Types of Disease
Content/Learning Area: Types of disease: Communicable diseases and Non-communicable diseases
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain the meaning of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
- Affective Domain: Show concern about spreading diseases and personal hygiene.
- Psychomotor Domain: Demonstrate ways of preventing communicable diseases.
- Social Domain: Collaborate in group discussions on how diseases can spread and be prevented.
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 Data from: Physiopedia – Communicable Diseases
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will employ the help of the following materials:
- Flashcards with disease names
- Pictures showing disease symptoms
- Chart comparing communicable and non-communicable diseases
- Video clip showing how germs spread
- Whiteboard and markers
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding types of diseases helps pupils learn how to stay healthy and stop the spread of sickness in their schools and homes.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils already know some common sicknesses and have seen others sneeze or cough in public spaces.
Lesson Content
Types of Disease
Communicable Diseases: Communicable diseases can pass from one person to another through air, water, food, or touch.
The following are examples of communicable diseases:
- Malaria
- Measles
- Tuberculosis
- Cholera
- COVID-19
- Typhoid Fever
- Chicken Pox
Non-Communicable Diseases: Non-communicable diseases do not spread from person to person. They are caused by body problems or lifestyle choices. These include:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
- Sickle cell
- Heart Disease
- Arthritis
Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases are caused by infectious agents and can spread through specific routes, such as droplets, contaminated food or water, body fluids or insect vectors. Examples include measles, cholera and malaria, although malaria spreads through infected mosquitoes rather than ordinary contact.
Non-communicable diseases such as asthma, sickle-cell disease and diabetes do not spread from one person to another. Prevention and care depend on the disease, so “avoid sick people” is not a complete or fair health rule.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, lecture, storytelling, explanation, visual aids, group work
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: Tells a story about two pupils, one coughing and the other using an inhaler
Pupils’ Activity: Listen and share what they think is wrong with each pupil
Step 2: Meaning of Communicable Diseases
Time: 7 mins
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Explains what communicable diseases are and gives examples using flashcards
Pupils’ Activity: Observe flashcards and listen attentively
Step 3: Meaning of non-Communicable Diseases
Time: 7 mins
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Explains non-communicable diseases and shows images of examples
Pupils’ Activity: Look at images and ask questions
Step 4: Differences Between the Two
Time: 6 mins
Teaching Skill: Comparison
Teacher’s Activity: Uses chart to explain the differences clearly and asks pupils to mention more
Pupils’ Activity: Compare and list differences with the teacher
Step 5: ways to Prevent Diseases
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Presentation
Teacher’s Activity: Shows how to wash hands and discusses good habits to prevent diseases
Pupils’ Activity: Join the teacher in hand-washing and suggest other safety practices
Step 6: Note-Taking
Time: 2 mins
Teaching Skill: Writing
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils to copy short notes into their books
Pupils’ Activity: Copy notes neatly
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: Asks oral questions and checks pupils’ understanding through group questions
Pupils’ activity: Answer questions and participate in review
Objective-aligned checks:
- Explain the meaning of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
- Show concern about spreading diseases and personal hygiene.
- Demonstrate ways of preventing communicable diseases.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 3 mins
Teaching Skill: Instructional/Cognitive/Social
Teacher’s Activity: Recaps lesson, praises good participation, and encourages healthy habits
Pupils’ Activity: listen, ask final questions, and share what they learned
Lesson Keywords
- Disease – Sickness that affects the body
- Communicable – A disease that can spread
- Non-communicable – A disease that does not spread
- Germ – Tiny living thing that causes sickness
- Hygiene – Keeping clean to stay healthy
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- What is a communicable disease?
- what is a non-communicable disease?
- mention three communicable diseases.
- Mention two non-communicable diseases.
- Show how to wash hands properly.
Assignment/Homework
(No Assignment/Homework was provided in the attached lesson note)
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Teacher will support slow learners with simpler explanations and use visuals
- For advanced learners: Fast learners will be asked to lead group discussions.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, auditory explanations, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Ensure pupils participate actively in class discussions and demonstrations, especially during hygiene practices. Encourage group interaction for better understanding.

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