AgDARE - Agricultural Disability Awareness and Risk Education

Farmer's Lung - Lesson Plan

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Background: Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lungs caused by a foreign substance such as dust, gases, or molds. Symptoms may be resolved if allergen exposure is avoided, but can require occupational changes. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis is often referred to as Farmer's Lung due to the association of the disease with agricultural occupations.

Objectives: For the student to recognize the prevalence of Farmer's Lung in agricultural occupations and be able to complete the following tasks:

• Name farm tasks that are associated with high-risk exposure to disease-causing agents.
• Exhibit a general knowledge of the causes and health risks of Farmer's Lung.
• Analyze the long-term effects of the disease, associated health problems, and lifestyle changes.
• List adequate preventive measures, including personal protective equipment.

Situation Development: Things to be brought out by the teacher in discussion to generate interest and introduce the lesson: (See fact sheet.)

• Do any of you know what Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis is? A more common name you might recognize is Farmer's Lung.
• Just given the name, what do you think Farmer's Lung is?
• What could be some effects of having a lung problem for a farmer?

Problem Statement: Identify the lesson topic and what the students will be answering in their activities.

• What is Farmer's Lung, and how might we prevent it in agricultural occupations?

Analysis: Things to consider in analyzing the topic and reaching the conclusion:

• common causes of the disease and incidents in which lung damage occurs
• effects of Farmer's Lung on lifestyle, economic situation, community and the future
• prevention of farm-related incidents that result in Farmer's Lung

Directed Study: Listed below are activities that will present the concepts of Farmer's Lung. Choose the activities which best fit your time restraints, student abilities, and resource availability. Student reference sheets are enclosed which provide information about Farmer's Lung. Duplicate these and use as a reference when conducting the activities.

• Narrative Simulation
• Physical Simulation
• Supplemental Activities:
  Case Report
  Guest Speaker
  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  Mask Comparison
  Study Sheet

Group Conclusion: After completing the activities, the teacher will lead in discussion of the topic with the class, approaching the points outlined in the analysis. The students should provide information and knowledge as gained from the activities and reference materials.

	KERA Goals	Goal 1
	Accessing Sources of Info
	Reading
	Observing
	Listening
	Quantifying
	Computing
	Visualizing
	Measuring
	Mathematical Reasoning
	Classifying
	Writing
	Speaking
	Visual Arts
	Music
	Movement
	Using Electronic Tech.
		Goal 2
	Nature of Scientific Activity
	Patterns
	Systems and Interactions
	Models and Scale
	Constancy
	Evolutionary Change
	Number
	Mathematical Procedures
	Space and Dimensionality
	Measurement
	Change
	Mathematical Structure
	Date
	Democratic Principles
	Political System
	Social Systems
	Cultural Diversity
	Economic Systems
	Geography & Human Activity
	Historical Perspective
	Interpersonal Relationships
	Production
	Analysis of Forms
	Aesthetics
	Cultural Heritage
	Cultural Diversity
	Language
	Second Language
	Family/Life Parenting
	Consumerism
	Physical Wellness
	Mental/Emotional Wellness
	Community Health Systems
	Psychomotor Skills
	Lifetime Physical Activities
	Career Paths
	Employability Attributes
	Post-Secondary Options
		Goal 3
	Positive Self-concept
	Healthy Lifestyle
	Adaptability/Flexibility
	Resourcefulness/Creativity
	Self-control/Self-discipline
	Ethical Values
	Independent Learning
		Goal 4
	Interpersonal Skills
	Team Membership
	Consistent, Caring Behavior
	Rights & Responsibilities
	Multicultural/World View
	Open Mind
		Goal 5
	Critical Thinking
	Creative Thinking
	Conceptualizing
	Decision Making
	Problem Solving
		Goal 6
	Multiple Perspectives
	Developing New Knowledge
	Expanding Knowledge

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