Lesson Plan: Understanding Concussions
Subject: Physical Education
Year Level: 11
Duration: 30 Minutes
Topic: Concussion
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Define a concussion and understand its causes.
- Recognise the symptoms of a concussion.
- Understand the immediate actions to take if a concussion is suspected.
- Discuss the long-term implications of concussions in sports.
Introduction (5 minutes)
Start the lesson with a brief overview of concussions, explaining that they are a type of traumatic brain injury. Use the following points to guide your introduction:
- Concussions can occur in any sport and can affect anyone.
- They are caused by a blow to the head, or a force that causes the brain to move within the skull.
Engage students with a question: “What sports do you think have a higher risk of concussions?”
Presentation (10 minutes)
What is a Concussion?
- Define concussion: A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function.
- Explain how concussions occur: They can result from falls, car accidents, or sports injuries.
Recognising Symptoms
Introduce the common symptoms of a concussion:
- Headache
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Confusion or memory problems
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Difficulty concentrating
Immediate Actions
Explain how to respond if a concussion is suspected:
- Remove the student from play immediately.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Encourage students to report any symptoms to a coach or teacher.
Activity (10 minutes)
Conduct a group activity where students will analyse specific scenarios related to sports injuries. Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a scenario involving a potential concussion.
Scenarios:
- A rugby player tackles an opponent and hits their head against the ground.
- A basketball player lands awkwardly after a jump and collides with another player.
- A soccer player heads the ball and appears dazed.
Instructions:
- Groups will discuss the potential signs of concussion.
- Each group will present their findings in a brief summary (2 minutes).
Conclusion (5 minutes)
Recap the lesson with the following key points:
- The definition and importance of recognizing concussions.
- The symptoms to be aware of.
- The immediate steps to take when a concussion is suspected.
Encourage students to reflect on how this knowledge might affect their behaviour in sports and physical activities.
Homework Assignment
For homework, students will complete the following tasks:
- Write a short essay (300 words) discussing the importance of awareness regarding concussions in sports.
- Create a poster that outlines the symptoms of a concussion and the steps to take if one is suspected.
Answers for Homework
-
Essay Content Outline (the essay should cover points such as):
- The prevalence of concussions in sport.
- The importance of education for players, coaches, and parents.
- The impact of repeated concussions on long-term health.
-
Poster Elements (should include):
- Clear headings for "Symptoms of Concussion" and "Steps to Take".
- Visual aids such as drawings or icons illustrating each symptom.
- Concise and clear steps outlining the immediate actions to take.
This lesson plan provides a comprehensive approach to understanding concussions, ensuring that Year 11 students are well-informed and equipped with the knowledge to act responsibly in sports.