The Science of Microbes
Complete Lessons and Resources

To evaluate their current understanding of microbes, students will complete a pre-assessment, estimate the mass of microbes in the human body, and then begin group concept maps.

Students will use water drops and hand lenses to begin the exploration of magnification, and will be introduced to the microscope

Students will learn that all organisms are composed of cells and will make slides of cells from an onion skin and Elodea to observe under a microscope.

Students will use a microscope to examine three different microbes: bacteria, yeast and paramecia.

Students will learn that microbes can be members of several different major groups: bacteria, fungi, protists or viruses. Most microorganisms are helpful, but some cause disease.

Students will create scale models of microorganisms and compare the relative sizes of common bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa using metric measures.

Students will learn that most scientific discoveries are related to other work, and that scientific advances often depend on the development of appropriate tools and techniques.

Students will grow bacteria and/or fungi from a variety of locations and compare the results.

Students will be introduced to the immune system through an overview of how the body protects and fights against microbes.

Students will use evidence to determine whether a patient has a cold, flu or strep infection. In the process, they also will learn about the differences between bacterial and viral infections.

Students will read about several serious, infamous diseases and collect/discuss information about the pathogens, their modes of transmission and their impacts on society.

Students will share what they have learned over the lesson of the unit by revisiting their concept maps and completing a post assessment.