We began the week by doing some observations of bacteria. We looked at slides containing bacilli, cocci, and spirilla-shaped bacteria, and we also viewed the bacteria that is commonly found in yogurt (Lactobacillus acidophilus). We also spent time in class calculating and graphing bacteria growth rates over time. From these activities, students realized that, in ideal conditions, bacteria reproduce quickly over a short period of time (exponential growth). Students watched a video that showed the helpful and harmful sides of bacteria. They were able to see how sourdough bread is made, view several examples of diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria (TB, "Black Death," flesh-eating bacteria, E. coli poisoning, etc.), and see how antibiotic resistance is becoming a huge problem today.
We discussed viruses, and came to the conclusion that they are non-living particles. We also watched a video that described how a virus infects its host, the discovery and use of vaccines, past and present pandemics (influenza, smallpox, polio, and AIDS), and how researchers are finding new viruses everyday.
Next week, we finish our chapter on bacteria and viruses ("quest" on Wednesday) and begin to focus on protists and fungi.
No comments:
Post a Comment