KS1: Introduction to Vectors

Introduce your pupils to the world of vectors through engaging activities designed to teach children what vectors are and where they can be found in their local environment. These flexible resources can be adapted to suit the needs of your class and delivered over one or more lessons.

For your lesson planning, we created a curriculum mapping document showing how the resources align with the statutory programme of study and relevant schemes of work.

These resources have been piloted in schools across England. Here's what Key Stage 1 teachers had to say:

"Very straightforward, very easy to teach." Teacher, Gloucestershire
"I thought that the content was very age appropriate, and I think that the children did find it interesting and they did understand what was being said to them." Teacher, Cheshire
"Oh, very engaged because they'd (pupils) never heard of ticks, but it was interesting, and then talking about the mosquitoes when they go abroad, but emphasising that not all of them are harmful.... They did really, they enjoyed the lesson." Teacher, North Yorkshire

Scroll down to learn more and download the resources.

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Learning objectives

All students will:

Understand what a vector is.
Know the common types of vectors (mosquitoes and ticks) and identify where vectors can be found in their environment.
Know how weather and habitats affect vector populations.
Know ways humans can stay safe and healthy outdoors.

Background Information

Vectors are living organisms (like insects) that can carry microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, between humans, or from animal to humans. Some of these microbes can be harmful to humans and can cause disease – these diseases are known as vector-borne diseases (VBDs). VBDs are gradually becoming a growing source of global public health concern.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases globally, causing more than 700,000 deaths per year (WHO, 2024). The most common types of vectors are mosquitoes and ticks.

This lesson plan will support you in fostering pupils' curiosity about the world around them while building their understanding of the connections between the environment, living things, and human health and wellbeing.