Microorganisms

The world of microbes

This resource pack contains information on the “world of microorganisms”. It provides us with multiple resources such as worksheets, activities, games, role-plays, case studies etc. to use in our classroom.  Few highlights of this pack:

1. The microbes in our kitchen: This activity details how harmful microbes enter our bodies through the food we eat.
2. Microbe profile: Let children look at the profile of a few microbes to decide whether they are friendly or harmful.  They can add these microbes to their friend list or reject their friend requests.
3. Historic heroes: Children can read the story of Edward Jenner’ vaccination discovery, followed by a discussion.

You can access this resource by clicking on the following link:

http://www.e-bug.eu/lang_eng/primary_pack/downloads/UK%20Junior%20Pack%20Complete.pdf

The good, bad and ugly

Only a small fraction of known microbial species causes diseases, the majority actually help us.

Most of the bacteria inside us are harmless and live peacefully within the cells of our body. These bacteria work together with our cells to keep other unwanted attackers away.

Students will learn how good bacteria, antibiotics, and new technologies help in protecting our body. There is also a separate column on new vocabularies to introduce them to the new term. 

You can access this resource by clicking on the following link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/sites/default/files/resources/activities/body_depot/microbes/Microbes-Comic.pdf

How big!

How does the size of the rhinovirus compare with that of a pinhead? This site will help children visualize the relative sizes of human hair, pollen, yeast, bacteria, virus etc.   

You can access this resource by clicking on the following link:  http://www.cellsalive.com/howbig_js.htm

Eutrophication

We all know that nutrients are essential for our survival.  

Have you ever thought of the status of excess nutrients in aquatic bodies?   What impact does it cause on the aquatic life? Watch the video to learn the concept of “Eutrophication”. 

You can access this resource by clicking on the following link:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LAT1gLMPu4

Using the microscope

In order to venture into the world of invisible creatures, we need to develop an important skill in our students – to operate the microscope.

Through various sessions, children will be familiarized with the magnification of objects and how to observe an object under the microscope.

You can access this resource by clicking on the following link:  http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/arvindgupta/biology-dover.pdf

You are your microbes

Our body is the home for trillions of bacteria and fungi, which help us in many ways, starting from digestion of food we eat to protection against invading foreigners. This video emphasizes the importance of diverse microbial communities in regulating our body function. 

You can access this resource by clicking on the following link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X8p0vhsWRE

Role of microbes:

Do you think it is possible for the same microbe to be both helpful and harmful? Encourage children to think logically to make a relationship between evidence and explanations.  Here is a sorting activity for children to understand the various roles of microbes such as its role as causing infections, as food producers and its role in the environment. 

You can access this resource by clicking on the following link:  

http://www.bioedonline.org/tasks/render/file/index.cfm?fileID=9FC94B30-D832-9B09-F7725C3B51541ABF