Microbe Mystery Tour

Introduction

Microbes are those tiny invisible organisms that interact in our lives behind the scenes. Bacteria and viruses are examples of microbes that can be both beneficial and harmful. Scientists are furiously working towards finding cures for those microbes that make us sick and finding ways to use microbes to enhance the quality of our lives. Let's investigate those curious microbes; bacteria and viruses, by taking a trip on the internet with our "Microbe Mystery Tour".

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Task

Answer the following questions using the Websites listed in the Resources section. This assignment is worth 50 points. The 20 questions are worth 2 points each for a total of 40 points. Then the Conclusion has questions to answer worth 10 points.

Questions:

  1. Living things are classified into 6 Kingdoms. What are the two newest kingdoms called for bacteria?
  2. How can you have sympathy for bacteria?
  3. What is a microbe?
  4. How did early bacteria shape our environment?
  5. What are the 3 shapes of bacteria and where can bacteria be  found on Earth?
  6. What do bacteria eat?
  7. Archea bacteria can live in extreme conditions. What are some of those conditions? How do these extremophiles thrive in these conditions?
  8. How long have microbes been on Earth? How is it they have survived so well?
  9. List all the areas microbes can live.
  10. Microbes (often called germs) can cause many diseases. Why don't we wipe them out of existence?
  11. Name a couple of ways man can use microbes.
  12. What do microbiologists do? Read one interview and state the name and 2 facts about the scientist you chose.
  13. What are some symptoms of the Ebola virus? How is it transmitted? 
  14. What is anthrax? Why is it used for bio-terrorism?
  15. What is the cure for anthrax? Should we take this medicine even though we don't have the anthrax infection? Why?
  16. What is the real name of "flesh-eating bacteria" disease?
  17. How could you get infected by the "flesh-eating bacteria"?
  18. Where do antibiotics come from? How are they made?
  19. Why are bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics?
  20. Name 2 diseases antibiotics will work against and name 2 diseases that antibiotics will not will not work against.
  21. Bonus question-5 points: How do viruses and bacteria compare?

ReminderGo to the bottom of this page to do the Conclusion, it is worth 10 points. It is very important!

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The Procedure

Working in pairs you will be given an assigned time in the computer lab to complete this task. Using the above questions you will visit the given Websites to hunt for the answers. Write your answers on your notebook paper. Each student needs to turn in his/her own paper. Write complete sentences to answer each question. If more time is required then the team of two needs to plan other visits to the computer lab before or after school or a home computer.

Complete all 20 questions and then proceed to the Conclusion to discuss with your partner and answer the given questions. 

Note: If you wish a copy of the 20 questions you can copy and paste to a Word Processing program. Of course, at that point you can also type in your answers. Print, and "Wha-la" you have a pretty assignment to turn in. Hint: Use a double screen by sizing down the windows and do both at the same time

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Resources

The following websites are the necessary sites to visit to complete this tour/task. Use your mouse to click on them. Read the information and answer the given questions.

 

 

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Learning Advice

Pick your partner wisely. Exchange phone numbers. Work diligently while at school to accomplish as much as you can. Support one another with "pull-ups", positive comments and high fives. Celebrate your learning and efforts with each other.

Read your questions prior to searching the net. This will familiarize you with the content and help you "zero in" on the appropriate question when reading the website's info.

Do a thorough job of researching each site to maximize your learning. This is current and important information for you to know. 

Plan your time to meet with your partner before leaving school and make an effort to help each other by sharing the learning and not giving away your learning. 

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Conclusion

Directions: Write a paragraph or two that answers the following questions. Your research should give you the necessary answers. (10 points)

Are microbes helpful or harmful? Are microbes limited to their environment they will live in? Should we be concerned about fighting harmful diseases caused by bacteria and viruses? What should the general public know about microbes? If you had "the gift", the "power" to do whatever, what would be your actions in regards to these microbes?

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CELEBRATE! CELEBRATE! CELEBRATE!

Learning is Powerful!


This page was created by Susan Busch, teacher at Twin Peaks Middle School.
This page was updated last on November 18, 2002.


"Seize the Moment"

Susan Busch
14640 Tierra Bonita Road
Poway, California 92064

sbusch@sdcoe.k12.ca.us