PRIMARY 3: SOCIAL STUDIES – FIRST TERM | WEEK 9

TOPIC: MODERN DRUGS AND THEIR SAFE USE

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

1. Pictures of tablets, capsules and syrups.
2. Empty, clean medicine containers.
3. Picture of a pharmacist.
4. Picture of a doctor and nurse.
5. Pupils’ writing books and pencils.

B: REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of work.
2. Recommended Social Studies textbook for Primary 3.
3. Online educational resources.

C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

The pupils have learnt the meaning of medicines and can distinguish between modern and traditional medicines.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

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

1. Explain modern medicine.
2. Identify common forms of modern medicine.
3. Mention people who may prescribe or supply medicines appropriately.
4. Explain why instructions on medicines should be followed.
5. Mention dangers of taking unknown medicines.
6. State ways medicines should be stored safely.

E: CONTENT

Meaning of Modern Medicine

Modern medicines are medicines prepared according to recognised medical and pharmaceutical standards for preventing, treating or managing illnesses.

Forms of Modern Medicine

Modern medicines may come as:

• Tablets 💊
• Capsules
• Syrups 🧴
• Creams
• Ointments
• Drops

Health Professionals

People who help us use medicines correctly include: 👨‍⚕️ Doctor – examines patients and may prescribe medicines. 👩‍⚕️ Nurse – helps care for patients and administers treatment as appropriate. 💊 Pharmacist – prepares or supplies medicines and explains how they should be used.

Following Instructions

Medicines should be taken:

1. In the correct amount.
2. At the correct time.
3. For the correct person.
4. According to professional or label instructions.

Dangers of Taking Unknown Medicines

Taking unknown medicines may:

• Make a person sick.
• Cause harmful reactions.
• Lead to taking too much medicine.
• Delay proper treatment.

Safe Storage

Medicines should:

1. Be kept in their original containers.
2. Be kept away from small children.
3. Be stored according to instructions.
4. Not be used after they have expired.

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

1. Revises the meaning of modern medicine.
2. Displays pictures of different forms of medicine.
3. Identifies doctors, nurses and pharmacists.
4. Explains how medicines should be taken safely.
5. Discusses dangers of unknown medicines.
6. Explains safe storage.
7. Emphasises adult and professional supervision.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

1. Identify different forms of medicines.
2. Name health professionals.
3. State functions of doctors and pharmacists.
4. Explain why medicine instructions matter.
5. Mention dangers of taking unknown medicines.
6. State safe ways to store medicines.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher revises modern medicines, the people who guide their use and important safety rules. The teacher encourages pupils to tell an adult whenever they feel unwell instead of taking medicines by themselves.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

1. What is modern medicine?
2. Mention four forms of modern medicine.
3. Who may prescribe medicine after examining a patient?
4. Who supplies and explains the proper use of medicines?
5. Mention two dangers of taking unknown medicines.
6. Mention three ways medicines should be stored safely.
7. Why should medicine instructions be followed?