Subject: Science

Topic: Viruses and Bacteria

Grade Level: 6-8

Lesson Submitted by: Mary Memmer mmemmer@evansville.net
Princeton Community Middle School Princeton IN

Time Needed: 3-4 weeks

Objective: These activities are to replace a regular science chapter on viruses and bacteria. Students will learn the basic facts about viruses and bacteria, use that information to do research on an infectious disease caused by either bacteria or a virus, and learn bacterial collection and observation techniques.

Materials Needed:

• internet access
• web browser such as Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer
• materials listed in the lab and any specific materials needed for each group's procedure

Description:

• Activity One - Study bacteria facts and virus facts to get a background of knowledge.
• Activity Two - Find facts on the internet sites to fill out a worksheet.
• Activity Two - Have students choose an infectious disease to research. Go over the report requirements, report design, and report rubric to make sure the students understand what is expected. Provide computer lab time and library research time - maybe two days of each.
• Activity Three - While students are finishing their papers, begin the lab "Where's the bacteria?" This takes another two or three days. The lab is set up using Easygel but agar or even potatoes and beets will work to culture bacteria. The students could be given a specific problem or they could brainstorm places they would like to check for bacteria and each group could be testing a different place around the school or at their homes.
• Have students take the Microquiz on-line.

Alignment with Indiana Standards:

      
Reading Application

      
 Use an information source to find needed information.

      
Skim and scan for needed information.

      
Draw information on a topic from several sources.

      
 Writing Conventions

      
Spelling; Punctuation; Tense

      
Compound and complex sentences

      
 Writing
      Process

      
 Notetaking skills;

      
Write more than one draft of a report.

      
Edit and proofread writing.

* If you have any questions have any comments about this lesson, please contact Mary Memmer at mmemmer@evansville.net.