Learning goals

• Know main parts of the human body and their jobs.
• Understand simple body systems: bones, muscles, digestion, breathing, blood, nerves.
• Learn how to keep the body healthy (food, clean water, exercise, rest).

What is the human body?

The human body is the living part of a person. It has many parts that work together. Some parts you can see (skin, hands, legs). Some parts you cannot see without help (heart, lungs, stomach).

Simple picture: main organs and parts

Main body systems (easy)

• Skeletal system: bones hold the body up and protect organs (e.g., skull protects the brain).
• Muscular system: muscles help us move (walk, run, write).
• Respiratory system: lungs bring oxygen in and send out carbon dioxide.
• Circulatory system: heart and blood carry oxygen and food to body cells.
• Digestive system: mouth, stomach and intestines break down food for energy.
• Nervous system: brain, spinal cord and nerves send messages in the body.
• Senses: eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin help us see, hear, smell, taste and feel.
• Excretory system: removes waste (e.g., urine) so the body stays clean inside.

How to count your heart rate (pulse)

Try this simple activity:

1. Place two fingers on your wrist below the thumb (radial pulse).
2. Count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by 4. This is your beats per minute (bpm).
3. Resting heart rate for children about age 10 is usually 70–110 bpm. If unsure, ask a teacher or parent.

Keeping your body healthy (Kenyan tips)

• Eat a balanced diet: include ugali, green vegetables, fruits, beans, meat or fish, and milk when possible.
• Drink clean water. Boil or treat water when necessary.
• Wash hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet to avoid diseases.
• Sleep well (about 9–11 hours for children) and rest when ill.
• Exercise: play, run, dance—movement keeps muscles and heart strong.
• Use mosquito nets and keep your compound clean to reduce malaria.
• Go for immunizations at the health centre — vaccines help prevent some serious diseases.

Common illnesses and simple prevention

Some illnesses that affect the body are malaria (fever), coughs and colds (affect lungs), stomach upset (diarrhoea). Prevention includes clean water, hygiene, mosquito nets, and visiting the clinic when sick.

Quick classroom activities

• Make a poster of the five senses with drawings.
• Measure classmates' pulse before and after a short run and compare results.
• Sort pictures of foods into "body-building", "energy-giving" and "protective" groups.
• Practice proper hand-washing steps and time with a song (20 seconds).

Glossary (simple)

Organ

A part of the body that does a special job (e.g., heart).

Muscle

Tissue that pulls on bones to create movement.

Bone

Hard part inside the body that gives shape and support.

Pulse

The beat you can feel when the heart pumps blood.

Did you know?

The skin is the body's largest organ. It helps keep germs out and keeps water in. Take care of your skin by keeping it clean and protected from too much sun.