WebQuests on Bacteria and Viruses

To help prevent the spread of germs students are frequently told to wash their hands, cover their mouth when they cough and not to eat things that fall on the floor. Germ is just another word for microorganisms. This webquest on bacteria and viruses will help students explore the amazing world of microorganisms and understand why these rules are important. They will learn about the benefits of bacteria and have a better understanding of how these microscopic organisms affect our lives.

The 6^th grade science teacher, Mr. Smith, has contracted a bad case of laryngitis and is not going to be able to speak or teach for at least a week. He has flown to Hawaii to recover but he left a lesson plan. Unfortunately no one can read his handwriting, except for the title of the lesson, Bacteria and Viruses. The principal, Mrs. Larsen, has asked your class to create a lesson plan to give to the substitute teacher to use on Monday.

Students can work independently, in pairs, or groups to create a lesson plan to teach to 6^th grade science students. The lesson can include models, worksheets, Powerpoint or any other form of presentation the students want to use. Encourage students to be creative in their lesson so the listeners will be interested in learning the material. The lesson plan should answer the following questions:

What is a bacteria?

What are the parts of a bacteria?

What shapes can bacteria be?

How do bacteria reproduce?

What are three diseases bacteria cause?

What is a virus?

How does a virus reproduce?

What are the parts of a virus?

What are the shapes of viruses?

What are three diseases viruses cause?

How are bacteria and viruses different?

Name three ways people use bacteria.

Name one location good bacteria live inside humans.

Name the four types of germs.

Define Vaccine

Define Antibiotic

Why is it important to wash your hands frequently to avoid germs?

Students can present their lesson to the class if desired. The following websites may be helpful in gathering the information needed.

http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/germs.html

http://www.brighthub.com/science/genetics/articles/60237.aspx

http://www.biology4kids.com/files/micro_bacteria.html

http://www.biology4kids.com/files/micro_virus.html

http://www.earthlife.net/prokaryotes/facts.html

Students will be evaluated on a five-point scale:

1- Not all information is included in the presentation.

2- Most information is provided in the presentation

3- All required information is included in the presentation.

4- Some additional information about viruses and bacteria is included in the presentation.

5- Additional information is provided about viruses and bacteria. Additional information on how bacteria are used by people and why is included.

Students can demonstrate what they learn in this webquest on bacteria and viruses through their presentation. If they are interested in learning more, students can investigate other ways humans use bacteria.