SBI3C

All bacteria, viruses, and fungi are BAD.

Everyone has been taught from a young age that germs make us sick. Later in school, we learn that germs are actually microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. However, the thinking that germs are bad then gets transferred to microorganisms are bad.

 

In Ba-Ba-Bacteria, students listen to two engaging podcasts by Radiolab. The second podcast that students will listen to is called “Gut Feelings” and discusses the human microbiome; what it is, and why it is important. Students will be surprised to that their bodies are home to the same number of microorganisms as cells!

 

Antibiotics cure every infection.

Antibiotics are no doubt the most common type of medication prescribed, especially to young children. This familiarity with antibiotics leads to the misconceptions that they are used to treat any type of illness.

In the digital video game I created, BACTERIAL INVADERS!, students explore the treatment of a bacterial infection through a shooter style game. Students are given the option to treat the bacterial infection with antibiotics, antiviral, or antifungal medications. Students will see that antiviral and antifungal medications have no effect on bacteria. Students will also see that if a course of antibiotics is not finished, the bacteria could become resistant. The second level of the game reinforces the concepts that healthy gut flora are important for health.

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Genetically modified foods are BAD.

The controversial topic of genetically modified food is one that is popping up in the media more and more, with the focus being that genetically modified foods are bad for our health. It is important for students to be given all the facts so that they have the skills and knowledge to form their own educated opinion about genetically modified foods.

In Harvest of Fear, students will navigate through the Harvest of Fear Interactive by PBS NOVA, to learn how genetically modified foods are made, and will be presented with an equal number of arguments in support of, and against the creation of genetically modified foods in an unbiased way.