Lesson 2: Viruses

Grade Level: 6th grade

Subjects: Science, Math and Media

Learner Outcomes:

• Students will analyze the structure of a virus and how it reproduces & causes diseases
• Students will understand the benefits of vaccines
• Students will draw a cycle of an active virus
• Students will create a model of a bacteriophage

Materials:

•  plastic nut and bolts
•  toothpicks
•  colored pencils
•  crayons
•  pipe cleaners
•  Styrofoam balls
•  wire coat hanger
•  drawing paper

Overhead projector, Power Point program, Aver key and Television monitor, Internet and CD-ROM

• Protective eye wear and special care while handling precut coat hangers
• Permission slips for internet use

• Students will view Power Point presentation of an active virus or bacteriophage attacking a cell.
• Group discussion using text on viruses and their characteristics will follow. Divide the class into groups of 4 or 5.
• Half of the class can be drawing an active virus attacking a cell while the other half will be constructing a bacteriophage using the materials provided. (see above)

•  See any IEP specifications that might apply
•  Placement of students desks in the classroom
•  Shorten assignments
•  Cooperative grouping
•  Oral testing as needed

Evaluation/Assessment: Teacher observation or a performance assessment

West Virginia IGO's

Science
6.21 engage in active inquires, investigations, and hands-on activities for a minimum of 50% of the instructional time to develop conceptual understanding and laboratory skills
6.22 use a variety of materials and scientific instruments to conduct explorations and investigations of the natural world to explain science concepts
6.23 demonstrate safe techniques for handling, manipulating and caring for science materials, equipment and living organisms

UCP (Unifying Concepts and Process)
1. Systems, order, and organization

Life Science
1. Structure and function in living systems
2. Reproduction and heredity

Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
1. Personal health

History and Nature of Science
1. Science as a human endeavor
2. Nature of science
3. History of science

Glencoe Level Red Science Voyages
MS Power Point
Britannica.com

Allen Petrunger
Keith Dunford
Barbara Duke
Princeton Middle School