| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Geography |
| Lesson Topic: Risks associated with new human strains of influenza (flu), including potential of new variants from animal populations |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the processes of antigenic drift and shift that generate new influenza strains.
- Explain how animal reservoirs and human activities contribute to the emergence of novel human influenza viruses.
- Analyse the health, economic and social impacts of a pandemic influenza strain.
- Evaluate surveillance and mitigation strategies for reducing influenza risk.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- PowerPoint presentation with diagrams and flowchart
- Printed handouts of the animal‑reservoir table
- Short video clip on influenza transmission
- Worksheet for case‑study analysis
- Whiteboard and markers
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Introduction:
Begin with a brief news clip about a recent avian‑flu outbreak to capture interest.
Ask students what they already know about how flu spreads and why new strains appear.
Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify key mechanisms of strain emergence, assess risk factors, and propose monitoring actions.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): Students match key terms (pathogen, zoonosis, antigenic drift/shift) on a worksheet.
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Present the biology of influenza viruses and the role of animal reservoirs using slides.
- Group activity (12'): Analyse the animal‑reservoir table; each group creates a short risk‑profile for one reservoir.
- Case‑study discussion (10'): Examine the 2009 H1N1 pandemic and identify lessons for surveillance.
- Simulation (8'): Use a simple probability formula to estimate reassortment risk in pigs vs. birds.
- Plenary (5'): Whole‑class recap; students write one key takeaway on a sticky note (exit ticket).
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Conclusion:
Summarise how antigenic shift in animal hosts can spark a pandemic and why robust surveillance is vital.
Collect the exit tickets and address any remaining misconceptions.
For homework, assign a short report investigating a recent influenza outbreak in a specific country and suggesting mitigation measures.
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