Microorganisms
SCN 2-13a I have contributed to investigations into the role of microorganisms in producing and breaking down some materials
SCN 3-13b I have contributed to investigations into the different types of microorganisms and can explain how their growth can be controlled
SCN 4-13b I have taken part in practical activities which involved the use of enzymes and microorganisms to develop my understanding of their properties and their use in industries
SCN 3-13b I have contributed to investigations into the different types of microorganisms and can explain how their growth can be controlled
SCN 4-13b I have taken part in practical activities which involved the use of enzymes and microorganisms to develop my understanding of their properties and their use in industries
Where do microorganisms live?
Swabbing practical: always a hit with the learners! You need to get agar plates prepared before hand and disinfectant to dispose the cotton buds.
Towards the end of the PowerPoint there is a numeracy challenge on microbe multiplication (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 etc.). I found a song on youtube (link provided) which the kids love, it's pretty funny! Useful LinksVideo: Swabbing Practical
Interactive: What are microoroganisms? Interactive: What are fungi? Interactive: What are bacteria? Interactive: What are viruses? Interactive: What are protozoa? |
What do microorganisms need to live?
An investigation into the needs of yeast.
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Useful microorganisms
Potential practicals/investigations:
1. Construct a mini composter; investigate which materials are biodegradable 2. Bread dough investigation 3. Make cheese, yoghurt and/or alcohol 4. Get a class "Herman" cake 5. Grow an Oyster mushroom |
Harmful microorganisms
GloGerm is a useful investment; it is an effective means of highlighting how easy it is for pathogens to spread from surface to surface... the Home Economics department may already have some and a black light.
Squeezy bottles filled with water and food colouring can be used to simulate a sneeze (lay down newspaper); show dispersal with and without a tissue. I have heard of filling a balloon with glitter and popping it to give the same effect... possibly would be finding glitter for days though? Disease Research Project Research project into diseases can highlight the vast array of pathogens around. I have gotten learners to pick a disease from a hat before to ensure a wide range is covered. Research could be completed as homework or in class. This research project can also be used to assess presentation and ICT skills; production of poster / powerpoint / glog / prezzi. Useful LinksInteractive: Disease
GLOW: MindMap - Biology - CellsandDNA - ImmuneDefence |
Controlling microorganisms
Potential Investigations:
1. Swab desks pre and post cleaning using a vareity of antimicrobial agents (soap, lemon juice, mouth wash, saline etc.) and compare levels of microbial growth. 2. Investigating the effect of chemicals or temperature on bread mould a) cut pieces of bread, spray each with a different anitmicrobial agent, seal each piece of bread in a baggie, compare levels of mould growth after a week or two. b) store sealed pieces of bread at different temperatures: oven, room, fridge and freezer. Relate findings to food storage. |