Subject: Social Studies
Class: JSS 1
Week of the First Term: 8th Week
Topic: Physical and Social Environment
Sub-Topic: (1) Understanding Man’s Physical Environment (Mountains, Rivers, etc.) (2) The Impact of the Social Environment on Human Behavior
Objectives
At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Identify and describe at least three physical features of the environment.
- Analyze how the social environment influences human behavior.
- Create a simple chart that illustrates the relationship between the physical and social environments and their impact on daily life.
Entry Behaviour
Pupils should already have a basic understanding of the environment and its components. They should be familiar with simple geographical features like rivers, trees, and hills and recognize basic social influences like family and peers.
Instructional Materials
- Visual Aids: Charts showing different physical environments and social settings (e.g., family, school).
- Flashcards: Images of physical features (mountains, rivers) and social groups (family, community).
Reference Materials (APA 7th Edition)
- Babalola, G. M. (2015). Social Studies for Junior Secondary School 1. Metropolitan Publishers, Lagos.
Content
Topic: Physical and Social Environment
The physical environment refers to all the natural and man-made features around us that affect how we live. These features include mountains, rivers, forests, deserts, and human-made structures like roads, bridges, and buildings. The physical environment plays a crucial role in shaping human activities, culture, and lifestyle.
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The social environment consists of the people, institutions, and cultural norms that influence our behavior. It includes family, friends, schools, religious institutions, and community organizations. The social environment shapes how we think, act, and interact with others.
Understanding Man’s Physical Environment
- Mountains are High, elevated areas of land, often with steep sides and peaks.
Mountains can affect the weather, such as causing more rain on one side (windward) and drier conditions on the other (leeward). They provide resources like minerals and serve as sites for recreation, tourism, and farming on terraced slopes.
- Rivers are Large, natural streams of water that flow across the land, usually towards an ocean, sea, or lake.
Rivers are essential for drinking water, farming (irrigation), fishing, and transportation. They also provide opportunities for hydroelectric power generation and are often central to the development of towns and cities.
- Forests are Large areas covered with trees and other vegetation.
Forests provide oxygen, serve as habitats for wildlife, and offer resources like wood, fruits, and medicinal plants. They also play a key role in maintaining the balance of the earth’s climate.
- Deserts are Dry, barren areas of land with little rainfall and sparse vegetation.
Deserts are challenging environments but are home to unique plants and animals adapted to survive in extreme conditions. People living in deserts often rely on oasis farming, and these areas can also be sources of minerals like salt and oil.
Impact of the Social Environment on Human Behavior
- Family:
Family is the first social group where individuals learn values, norms, and behaviors. It teaches basic social skills, manners, language, and ethics.
Families influence our decisions, attitudes, and overall approach to life. A supportive family can build confidence, while a challenging family environment can affect behavior negatively.
- Friends and Peers:
Friends and peers significantly impact attitudes, choices, and behaviors, especially during adolescence. They provide companionship, support, and a sense of belonging.
Positive peer influence can encourage good habits like studying and healthy competition, while negative peer pressure might lead to undesirable behaviors.
- School and Educational Institutions:
Schools teach not only academic skills but also social skills like cooperation, leadership, and problem-solving.
The school environment can shape a student’s self-esteem, future aspirations, and social networks. Teachers, classmates, and extracurricular activities all contribute to this influence.
- Community and Society:
The broader community, including cultural practices, laws, and social norms, plays a key role in shaping behavior.
Community influences range from cultural traditions and festivals to social expectations about behavior, dress, and career choices. Community support systems can also provide safety nets, such as religious groups or local organizations offering assistance.
Step 1: Introduction
Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure)
Others removed.
