Resource

What is an Infectious Disease?

Overview

In this lesson pupils consider how infections can spread rapidly through a population and are introduced to the different infectious agents that cause disease (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasitic organisms).

Pupils are also introduced to some of the body’s natural defences and play a game that simply models some of these defence mechanisms. The lesson culminates with setting a homework task in which pupils research the contributions of pioneers in the field of infection prevention and treatment as preparation for the next lesson in this series, ‘Preventing infectious diseases.’

To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Plastic Pollution (KS1)

During this lesson children explore the environmental effects of plastic pollution by carrying out a number of experiments. They then go on to consider how they can take action against…

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Healthy Eating

In this lesson pupils will learn about the importance of eating the right amounts of different food groups as part of a healthy lifestyle. Pupils will have the opportunity to…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Be Your Own Councillor

Students examine ways in which a fictional town council could spend its budget. They consider the concerns of different residents and analyse how the budget could be spent most effectively.…

More Health and Wellbeing resources

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Caring for Pets

This lesson starts with a simple story that helps children to explore what responsibilities come with owning a pet. Children then go on to look at what happens when pets…

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, Relationships, KS1 (ages 5-7)

How Do You Feel Today?

In this lesson pupils will read about Mitali and his concerns for his friend Anna, who appears to be withdrawn and unhappy. Pupils will consider what can make people feel…

Assemblies, Health and Wellbeing, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Caring for Pets (Assembly)

Through the story of ‘Tigger the football loving rabbit’ this assembly addresses children’s responsibilities towards pets and the happiness they can derive from relationships with animals. To access this content,…

More KS2 (ages 7-11) resources

Certificates, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Thinking Before you Act (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We Think Before We Act. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills The values, skills…

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, KS2 (ages 7-11)

What is an Infectious Disease?

In this lesson pupils consider how infections can spread rapidly through a population and are introduced to the different infectious agents that cause disease (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasitic organisms).…

Assemblies, Digital Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Raising Awareness

During this assembly pupils reflect on how social media can be an important platform for raising awareness of issues that are important to pupils through the example of Martha Payne’s school…