Class: Primary 5
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 2
Age: 10 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
Previous Lesson: The Human Body: Types Of Bone
Topic: The Human Body: Vertebra
Content: Vertebra (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacrum, Coccyx)

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 Centre Scheme of Work
NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
Online Information from: Wikipedia – Vertebra
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

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.

Instructional Procedures

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

Content Development	Time	Teaching Method	Teaching Strategy	Teacher’s Activity	Pupils’ Activity	Learning Point
Step 1: Introduction	5 minutes	Set induction	Use questioning	Asks pupils to recall major bones studied in the last lesson.	Respond to questions.	Recall types of bones.
Step 2: Explanation	10 minutes	Direct instruction	Interactive teaching	Explains what the vertebra is and its importance.	Listen attentively.	Understand the vertebra’s role.
Step 3: Illustration	10 minutes	Demonstration	Visual aids	Uses a chart to show the vertebra types and points to each.	Observe and ask questions.	Identify vertebra types.
Step 4: Group Activity	8 minutes	Group discussion	Cooperative learning	Groups pupils to label vertebra types on flashcards.	Work in groups to complete activity.	Teamwork and learning.
Step 5: Note-taking	5 minutes	Guided writing	Note provision	Guides pupils to write the lesson content.	Copy notes into their books.	Record the vertebra types.
Step 6: Evaluation	2 minutes	Questioning	Verbal questioning	Asks evaluation questions.	Answer questions.	Confirm understanding.
Step 7: Conclusion	Final minute	Recap and feedback	Reinforcement	Summarizes the lesson and assigns homework.	Reflect on the lesson.	Lesson reinforcement.

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:

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

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

Define vertebra and state its main function.
List the types of vertebra and mention their locations.
Why is the lumbar vertebra important?
What connects the thoracic vertebra to the ribs?

Which vertebra group supports the head?

Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan

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 (Primary 5)