PRIMARY 6: BASIC SCIENCE – FIRST TERM | WEEK 2

TOPIC: SYNTHETIC AND NATURALLY OCCURRING DRUGS

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

1. Pictures of medicinal plants.
2. Empty medicine packets and containers.
3. Drug identification charts.
4. Pictures of herbs and roots.
5. Flashcards containing names of common medicines.

B: REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of work.
2. Recommended Basic Science textbook for Primary 6.
3. Online educational resources.

C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

The pupils have seen and used medicines prescribed by parents, doctors, nurses or pharmacists when they were ill.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

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

1. Define a drug.
2. State some uses of drugs.
3. Explain naturally occurring drugs.
4. Explain synthetic drugs.
5. Give examples of naturally occurring and synthetic drugs.
6. Differentiate between naturally occurring and synthetic drugs.
7. State the importance of using drugs correctly.

E: CONTENT

Meaning of a Drug

A drug is a substance taken into the body to prevent, diagnose, relieve or treat an illness. Drugs should be taken according to the instructions of qualified health workers.

Uses of Drugs

Drugs may be used to:

1. Prevent diseases.
2. Treat illnesses.
3. Reduce pain.
4. Control infections.
5. Help the body recover from sickness.

Naturally Occurring Drugs

Naturally occurring drugs are substances obtained mainly from natural sources such as plants. Examples include preparations made from: 🌿 Bitter leaf 🌱 Ginger 🌿 Garlic 🌳 Neem leaves 🌱 Aloe vera Some traditional medicines are prepared from leaves, roots, bark, fruits or seeds. Natural substances should not be assumed to be safe simply because they come from plants. They must also be used properly.

Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drugs are medicines produced through chemical processes, usually in laboratories and pharmaceutical industries. Examples include:

• Paracetamol
• Antibiotics
• Antimalarial medicines
• Cough medicines
• Some pain-relieving medicines

Differences Between Naturally Occurring and Synthetic Drugs

Naturally occurring drugs come mainly from natural sources. Synthetic drugs are manufactured through controlled chemical processes. Both types of drugs can be harmful when wrongly used.

Correct Use of Drugs

Drugs should:

1. Be taken according to instructions.
2. Be given by responsible adults or qualified health workers.
3. Be taken in the correct quantity.
4. Not be shared carelessly.
5. Be kept away from young children.

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

1. Introduces the meaning of drugs.
2. Displays pictures and samples of medicine containers.
3. Explains naturally occurring drugs.
4. Explains synthetic drugs.
5. Guides pupils to compare both types of drugs.
6. Discusses the proper use of medicines.
7. Warns pupils against taking unknown medicines.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

1. Define a drug.
2. Mention uses of drugs.
3. Identify examples of naturally occurring drugs.
4. Identify examples of synthetic drugs.
5. State differences between the two types.
6. Explain how medicines should be used safely.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher reminds pupils that drugs may be obtained from natural sources or manufactured synthetically. The teacher emphasizes that all medicines should be used correctly and under responsible adult or professional guidance.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

1. What is a drug?
2. Mention three uses of drugs.
3. What are naturally occurring drugs?
4. Give three examples of natural sources of drugs.
5. What are synthetic drugs?
6. Give three examples of synthetic drugs.
7. State two ways of using drugs safely.