WV State Standards: Science: SC.O.B.2.21, SC.O.CB.2.27 National Standards:  Science: NS.9-12.1, NS.9-12.6 Blooms Taxonomy: Knowledge, Analysis 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills

Overview:

In this lesson students will be introduced to bacterium and their relationship to foodborne disease.  Students will gain knowledge of the exponential growth of bacteria and how bacteria reproduce and contribute to disease.  This lesson will allow students to construct and analyze growth curves for common bacteria.

Objective(s):

Students will:

• Gain an understanding of the morphology and structure of bacterial organisms
• Construct and interpret growth curves for bacteria
• Develop knowledge of various bacteria and how they contribute to foodborne illnesses.

Time Required:

Two 45 minute class periods

Pre-Requisite Skills:

Students should have a previous understanding of the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, knowledge of graphing data, and ability to interpret graphical information.

Computers with Internet

Computer with Internet and access to the websites mentioned in the procedures section.

1. Provide students with an introduction to bacteria and food borne illness.  Discuss with students the relationship between bacteria and foodborne illnesses and have them discuss an experience where they or someone they know had been affected by a foodborne illness. 

2. Explain to students that the growth and spread of bacteria can be influenced by a number of factors.  Inform them that temperature, hygiene, and other factors can contribute to the growth and spread of bacterial diseases.

3. Discuss population growth rate for bacteria and how this can directly influence contamination and spread of food borne illnesses. 

4. Visit the virtual Exponential Growth Activity to give students a visual of exponential growth in a bacterial colony. 

5. Have students complete the virtual Bacterial Growth Experiment and observe and interpret the bacteria growth curves and construct their own.

Provide students with printed materials to help with their studies or if Internet access is limited. 

Students will be assessed based on their ability to read, understand, and construct growth curves for various bacteria.  Assessment will also be based on participation.