What are communicable diseases and how can we prevent some of them?

Kathy DeCock
Diamond Path School of International Studies
Apple Valley, MN
Author Profile

Summary

Students will learn that microorganisms can get inside one's body and they may keep it from working properly. Students will complete a KWHL chart to determine prior knowledge. Students will use the KWHL to write questions to explore in the lesson. Through whole group discussion, students will share their observations and their questions. They will play a game to learn about disease characteristics, treatments and possible prevention. Students will learn that vaccinations help to prevent some diseases.

Learning Goals

In this life science lesson students will learn about communicable diseases. The lesson is designed for 4th grade students. Learning goals: 1. Students will understand that microorganisms can get inside one's body and cause illness. 2. Students will learn basic facts about communicable diseases such as characteristics, and prevention of the diseases. Students will be able to give examples of diseases that can be prevented by vaccination. Students will develop skills of observation, questioning, cooperation, and writing in this lesson. The key concepts covered in this lesson are that microorganisms can get inside one's body and keep it from working properly and that vaccinations can prevent some illness. Vocabulary students will focus on includes: communicable disease, vaccination, contagious and symptoms.

Context for Use

This lesson is designed for 4th grade students. It could be taught in the classroom with very little preparation. Teachers will need to copy the game cards and put them on yarn so they can be worn around the neck. Student will need to be taught about germs, bacteria and microbes before this lesson is taught.

Description and Teaching Materials

Activity Description-
Beginning-Read aloud Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine (Inventions and Discovery series) by Katherine E. Krohn
Lesson- 1. Ask students to think of a time when they were sick or when someone in their family was sick. What illnesses did they have? Students will share their ideas. The teacher will write the illnesses on a chart. The teacher will add any illnesses he/she deems necessary for study. Discuss which diseases are chronic and which diseases are communicable.
2. Students will begin filling in a KWHL chart about disease in their science notebook.
3. Share some of their ideas from the KWHL. The teacher will record them on a large group chart.
4. Using their science notebooks, students will journal things they wonder about.
4. Share their 'I wonders.' The teacher will write all the questions on another chart.
5. Discuss their questions. Review levels of questioning.
6. Students will play a game to learn about the diseases listed. (Explanation of game in attachment.)
7. Students will journal about their experience.
Closure:
Say to the students: "What disease were you in the game? What are some ways to prevent your disease? Is there a vaccination to help prevent your disease? Share with a partner." Disease Detective game instructions and handout. (Microsoft Word 55kB Aug3 09) Disease cards (Microsoft Word 45kB Aug3 09) Communicable illnesses (Microsoft Word 111kB Aug3 09)

Teaching Notes and Tips

This lesson is designed as part of a unit that teaches students about germs, bacteria, how germs affect the body and how bodies defend themselves from germs. It would be best if students had some background knowledge in this area before beginning this lesson. I have not done this lesson with students before. Please see attachment for notes on diseases.

Assessment

Students will be assessed on their journal entry. They will be assessed on completeness of their journal entries and effort.

Standards

4.4.4.2.2-Human interactions with living systems.

References and Resources