Virus and Bacteriophage

Author Names: June Slagle and Kay Berry

Grade level:  Fifth Grade  Sixth Grade

Subjects
 

Science

Time Frame
Two forty-five minute class periods.

Objectives

In this lesson, students will:

• Learn the difference between a virus and a bacteriophage.
• Identify the parts of a virus and a bacteriophage.
• Construct a model of either a virus or a bacteriophage

 

1. Internet
2. Picture of virus and bacteriophage.
3. Variety of materials used to construct models.
 

1. Teacher will introduce the terms “virus” and “bacteriophage”, along with their parts.

2. Methods of transmittal of viruses and bacteriophages will be discussed.

3. Prevention of infestation of viruses and bacteriophages will be presented.

4. Models will be constructed from materials provided by teacher and students.

5. Websites will be used to introduce and expand on information provided by the teacher.
 

Curriculum Frameworks Addressed by this Lesson:
Tennessee Standard 1.4a - Data should be examined to find patterns and relationships.
Benchmarks: An equation containing a variable may be true for just one value of the variable. Information is organized into simple tables and graphs to identify relationships. Rectangular and polar coordinates are used to find and describe locations on maps or other flat surfaces. The mean, median, and mode tell different aspects of data set. One example can never be used to prove that something is true, but sometimes a single example can prove that something is not true.
THEME: 2.4 INTERACTIONS - At all levels of living and non-living systems, matter and energy act and react to determine the nature of our environment.
Tennessee Standard 2.4a - Interactions occur on scales ranging from elementary particles to galaxies.
Benchmarks: Every object exerts gravitational force on every other object. Atoms and molecules are perpetually in motion. There are groups of elements that have similar properties. Gravitational force depends on how much mass the objects have and on how far apart they are. Human beings cope with changes in their environment through the interactions among the senses, nerves, and brain. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites may alter the function of an organism. Scientists are still working out the details of what the basic kinds of matter are and how they combine.
THEME: 3.6 CREATIVE ENTERPRISE - Creativity contributes to the processes of science through ideas and inventions.
Tennessee Standard 3.6a - Imagination plays an integral role in science.
Benchmarks: Scientists are open to new possibilities.
Tennessee Standard 3.6b - Creativity is both a mental and a physical process.
Benchmarks: Alternative methods of investigating and reporting are offered.
Tennessee Standard 3.6c - Creativity enables development of new concepts, processes, and attitudes toward scientific inquiry.
Benchmarks: People who engage in design and technology use scientific knowledge to solve practical problems.
Tennessee Standard 3.6d - The human ability to shape the future comes from a capacity for generating knowledge, developing new technologies and for communicating ideas.
Benchmarks: Economic health is promoted with technological development.
 

For additional relevant information, visit the following Web sites:

Title1: Cells Alive!
URL1: http://www.cellsalive.com/
Description1: Microscopic pictures and movies of various types of viruses and bacteriophages.

Title2: PBS Cartoon on Polio Virus and Jonas Salk
URL2: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/ontheedge/polio/
Description2: Cartoon gives the history of the search for a vaccine and eradication of Polio.

Title3: Infection Protection Detection
URL3: http://www.amnh.org/explore/infection/smp_index.html
Description3: Site provides in-depth detail of Viruses, Bacteriophages, and Protists

Cyber Exchange

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