Grade 7 Natural Sciences Lesson Plan: Factors Affecting Life Expectancy

Materials Needed:
– Textbook: “Natural Sciences for Grade 7”
– Whiteboard and markers
– Projector and computer for presentations
– Printed worksheets for group activities
– Internet access for research (if possible)
– Chart paper and coloured markers for group presentations

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:
1. Identify key factors that affect life expectancy.
2. Explain how these factors influence health and longevity.
3. Analyse data on life expectancy and discuss trends across different populations.

Vocabulary:
1. Life Expectancy: The average period that a person may expect to live.
2. Health: The state of being free from illness or injury.
3. Socioeconomic Status: The social standing or class of an individual or group, often measured as a combination of education, income, and occupation.
4. Nutrition: The process of obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.
5. Environment: The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.

Previous Learning:
In prior lessons, learners have explored concepts related to human health, including nutrition, disease prevention, and the human body systems. This foundational knowledge will help them understand how various factors influence life expectancy.

Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:
– Challenge: Some students may struggle with understanding statistical data.
– Solution: Provide simplified graphs and visuals to illustrate life expectancy trends. Pair struggling learners with peer mentors for support.

Challenge: Learners may find it difficult to engage in group discussions.
Solution: Establish clear group roles (e.g., facilitator, note-taker, presenter) to encourage participation.

Beginning Activities (4 minutes):
1. Introduction to Topic (2 minutes): Briefly introduce the topic of life expectancy. Ask learners if they know what it means and why it might differ between countries.
2. Brainstorming (2 minutes): Conduct a quick brainstorm on factors they think might affect life expectancy. Write key responses on the whiteboard.

Middle Activities (32 minutes):
1. Direct Instruction (10 minutes): Present information on various factors affecting life expectancy, including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, nutrition, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. Use visuals to enhance understanding.

Group Activity (15 minutes): Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group a specific factor (e.g., health care, nutrition) and provide them with research materials. Instruct them to create a brief presentation, highlighting how their assigned factor affects life expectancy.
Presentations (7 minutes): Each group presents their findings to the class. Encourage questions and discussion after each presentation.

End Activities (4 minutes):
1. Exit Ticket (4 minutes): Distribute exit tickets asking learners to write down one way that one factor can affect life expectancy and a question they still have about the topic. Collect these tickets as they leave.

Assessment and Checks for Understanding:
– Participation in group discussions and presentations will provide informal assessment of understanding.
– Exit tickets will be reviewed to gauge individual comprehension and identify areas needing further clarification.

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:
– For advanced learners: Encourage them to research additional factors or draw comparisons between different countries.
– For struggling learners: Provide a guided worksheet with key points and questions to help them stay focused during group discussions. Use visuals to aid understanding.

Teaching Notes:
– This lesson connects to broader discussions about health and society, highlighting the importance of understanding how various factors impact health.
– Consider accessibility for students with disabilities by ensuring all materials are legible and using technology that accommodates diverse learning needs (e.g., screen readers).
– Encourage students to think critically about how their own choices and environments influence their health and longevity.

This lesson plan aligns with CAPS outcomes and aims to foster understanding of the complex interplay between various factors and life expectancy.