Introduction
This learning sequence is aimed at year 3 students. The Australian Curriculum, Overview states that students within this age group are broadening their understanding of the world and are more capable of making decisions that will promote their health and wellbeing (Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority, 2014).
Students will be learning about the respiratory system and respiratory diseases such as Influenza, Bronchitis and Pneumonia.
These diseases have been selected as students are more prevalent during winter time therefore students are likely to hear about or see other students unwell with, or become unwell themselves with one of the above respiratory diseases.
Task
To understand a chronic respiratory disease we first must look at how the respiratory system works. Below is a short video that provides an explanation of how a healthy respiratory system works
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/videos/humanbody/respiratorysystem.html
What is chronic respiratory disease?
Chronic respiratory disease is a term that covers a range of diseases that affect the lungs and passages that transfer air through the airways from the mouth and the nose (Australian Institute of Health &Welfare, 2015)
Below are some of the diseases that create problems within the respiratory system.
The most common respiratory diseases and their symptoms are:
Asthma - wheezing and breathlessness caused by a narrowing of airways
Bronchitis - inflamation of the lungs mucous lining
Emphysema - disease of the alveoli
Hayfever - an allergic reaction to pollen, dust or other irritants
Influenza - caused by viruses
Laryngitis - inflammation of the vocal cords (larynx)
Pneumonia - inflammation of the lungs
(BetterHealth, 2015)
Process
Some of the symptoms of a respiratory disease such as the flu (which if it worsens can become Broncitis or Pneumonia) are:
tiredness
cough
sore throat
runny/stuffy nose
body aches
diarrhoea and/or vomiting
It is very important to look after yourself by getting enough rest and follow the doctor's instructions to help you get better.
If you are sick with influenza, bronchitis or pheumonia you should stay at home to prevent others from getting sick.
To help prevent others from getting sick you should cough and sneeze into your elbow; wash your hands regularly especially if you blow your nose; and make sure all tissues are placed into the bin after use.
If you have a constant high temperature and chest pains it is important to tell Mum or Dad so they can organise for you to see a doctor.
Having a flu shot each year is recommended as it will help to prevent you from getting the flu.
Evaluation
Students work in groups to complete a graphic organiser of the main components of the respiratory system and detail in writing below what they have learned about the flu and what symptoms are and how these affect the respiratory system.
Conclusion
The class will discuss what respiratory illnesses require you to stay at home and why.
Students will also discuss as a class group how respiratory diseases such as the flu are managed.
The discussion will establish the students knowledge in this area.
Credits
References:
Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority, 2014. Health and Physical Education across Foundation to Year 10: Overview. Retrieved from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/health-and-physical-education/he…
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2015) Chronic respiratory conditions including Asthma and COPD. Retrieved from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/chronic-respiratory-conditions/
Science Kids. (2015). Retrieved from: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/videos/humanbody/respiratorysystem.html
State Government of Victoria (2015) Better Health Channel Retrieved from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/Bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Respirat…