The study of humans is a logical way of teaching 'animal biology' at the primary level. Children should be expected to relate more readily to the 'human' elements of science, and then to link this knowledge to other aspects of zoology. To break the information into more manageable lumps', this chapter will only cover those aspects that are distinctive to humans. Those aspects of humans as organisms' which relate equally well to mammals in general are covered in Mammals. The key ideas to be developed here are:
1. Humans require a balanced nutritional diet of foods from several different food groups in order to grow and be healthy.
2. Exercise is important for the development of muscles and coordination skills.
3. Human reproduction and development can be described in terms of certain key stages.
4. Medicine is used to assist and supplement the mechanisms and processes of internal defence systems in fighting disease,
5. Humans are social animals, and their mental wellbeing and emotional needs are important aspects of their social existence.
6. Certain drugs can have harmful effects on humans.
Teaching Concepts
Click on each concept to see Subject facts, Why you need to know these, Vocabulary, Amazing facts, Common misconceptions, Questions and Teaching Ideas
Concept 2:Exercise and physical activity
It is important to be aware of how these concepts can be developed in teaching. The following is one way in which the progression can be described. It goes up to Key Stage 3, because it is necessary to know where the children will be going next.To demonstrate your own understanding of the concepts, it is useful to produce your own concept chain.
Humans need food and water to stay alive. Humans need the right balance and amount of food to stay healthy.The right forms of exercise are important for healthy growth. Humans can produce babies. Human babies grow into children and then into adultsv Some drugs are medicines and can be of benefit to particular individuals, Human children require adult care.
Food is necessary for human growth and activity. An appropriate balance of different food types is necessary for humans to remain healthy. It is possible to group foods in a number of different ways, Oral hygiene and dental care are important for digestion, and for medical and social reasons. Exercise and healthy eating are important to maintain human fitness strength and stamina. Exercise has an effect on heart rate and breathing. Particular changes occur as humans progress from being babies to being children, adults and the elderly. The physical and emotional changes involved in growing up and ageing occur at different rates in different peoples. The human body has its own system of defences against diseases, and this system is assisted by a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Medicines can be dangerous when taken without supervision. Humans sometimes also use drugs, such as alcohol and tobacco, which have harmful effects.
The chemical components of different foods provide for different needs within the human body. The intake of food needs to be balanced against the energy requirements for physical activity Appropriate levels of physical and mental activity are necessary for continued growth and development. The body's disease defence system operates at several different levels, depending upon the cause and site of an infection or illness. Medicines work in various ways. Humans progress through many different physical; emotional and mental changes as they age. Humans develop significantly between conception and birth. The male and female reproductive systems are significantly different in structure and operation, Recreational' drugs have specific short-term and longterm effects on the human body