Basic Science and Technology - Junior Secondary 2 - Uniqueness of human beings

TERM: 1^ST TERM

WEEK: 4

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes each for 2 periods

DATE:

SUBJECT: Basic Science

TOPIC: Uniqueness of human beings

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1.) Discuss man as a mammal. Outline the characteristics of mammals

2.) Discuss man as a primate. Outline the characteristics of primates

3.) Discuss the unique characteristics of man; brain

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Basic Science textbooks for Junior Secondary School 2

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES: PERIOD 1-2:

NOTE

UNIQUENESS OF HUMAN BEINGS

Man as a Mammal:

Characteristics of Mammals

Humans are classified as mammals, a group of vertebrates known for several defining characteristics. The characteristics of mammals include:

• Warm-blooded (Endothermic): Mammals can regulate their body temperature internally, maintaining it within a narrow range regardless of the external environment.
• Hair or Fur: All mammals have some amount of hair or fur at some point in their life cycle, which helps with insulation and temperature regulation.
• Live Birth (Viviparous): Most mammals give birth to live young (except for monotremes like the platypus and echidna, which lay eggs). The young are nourished internally via a placenta during pregnancy.
• Mammary Glands: Female mammals possess mammary glands that produce milk to feed their young, a crucial trait that sets mammals apart from other vertebrates.
• Vertebrates: Mammals have a backbone or spinal column made up of vertebrae.
• Specialized Teeth: Mammals typically have different types of teeth (incisors, canines, molars) suited for their diet (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores).
• Advanced Brain: Mammals generally have a highly developed brain, which allows for complex behaviors, learning, and memory. They possess a neocortex (part of the brain involved in sensory perception and cognition).

Man as a Primate:

Characteristics of Primates

Humans are also classified as primates, a group of mammals that includes lemurs, monkeys, and apes. Primates share several key characteristics, which include:

• Opposable Thumbs: Most primates have opposable thumbs that allow for grasping and manipulating objects. This is particularly well-developed in humans.
• Bipedalism or Arboreal Adaptations: Humans are uniquely bipedal, walking upright on two legs, but many primates have adaptations for climbing, such as long arms and prehensile tails in some species.
• Forward-facing Eyes: Primates have binocular vision, meaning their eyes are positioned in the front of their face, providing depth perception and a wide field of vision. This is crucial for activities such as locating food and navigating complex environments.
• Large Brains: Primates, particularly apes and humans, have relatively large brains for their body size, especially in areas related to complex social behavior, learning, and problem-solving.
• Social Structures: Primates are generally social animals with complex group dynamics. Many live in social groups with structured hierarchies, and cooperation, communication, and bonding are key features of primate behavior.
• Extended Childhood: Primates, including humans, have long periods of parental care, during which the young are taught essential survival skills and social behaviors.

Unique Characteristics of Man: The Brain

The human brain is one of the most distinctive and advanced features of the human species. The following are key aspects of the human brain that set it apart from other species:

• Size and Complexity: The human brain is exceptionally large relative to body size (about 2% of body weight but consumes about 20% of the body's energy). This large brain allows for higher cognitive functions.
• Neocortex: The neocortex is the part of the brain responsible for higher-order functions such as reasoning, problem-solving, language, and abstract thinking. This part is particularly well-developed in humans compared to other animals.
• Language and Communication: Humans have a highly advanced capacity for language, including the ability to understand and produce complex speech, which is crucial for communication, culture, and social interaction.
• Self-awareness and Consciousness: Humans have a sense of self and the ability to reflect on their thoughts, actions, and experiences. This consciousness contributes to our understanding of life, morality, and existence.
• Memory and Learning: The human brain has an incredible capacity for memory, learning, and adaptation. We can recall past events, plan for the future, and learn from experiences in ways that other animals cannot.
• Emotional Processing: The human brain is highly adept at processing complex emotions and social interactions. Emotional intelligence is a key aspect of human behavior, influencing relationships, decision-making, and cooperation.
• Creativity and Innovation: The brain’s advanced capacity for imagination and creativity allows humans to create art, invent technology, and devise novel solutions to problems, driving cultural and technological progress

EVALUATION:

1. What are the key characteristics that define humans as mammals, and how do these characteristics compare with other mammals?
2. Explain the common features that categorize humans as primates, and discuss how these features are essential for human survival and behavior.
3. How does the size and complexity of the human brain contribute to our ability to think abstractly and engage in problem-solving?
4. In what ways does the development of language and communication set humans apart from other primates, and why is this significant?
5. What is the role of emotional intelligence in human behavior, and how does the human brain support emotional processing compared to other mammals?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively