Life Size: What's in a microbe?

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In this activity on page 3 of the PDF, learners visualize the relative size and structural differences between microbes that have the potential to cause disease. Learners work in groups and use simple materials to build scale models of different types of viruses. This activity can be preceded by "Line 'em up!", the first activity in this resource, located on page 1 of the PDF.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • rulers and meter sticks
  • scissors
  • construction paper
  • balloons
  • glue and tape
  • tooth picks
  • clay
  • chenille craft sticks
  • other misc. disposable objects that students can use to construct a model

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
      • Cell Structure and Function
    • Diversity of Life
      • Viruses and Bacteria
      • Classification
    • Heredity and Genetics
      • DNA Structure and Function
    • Human Body
      • Health and Nutrition
      • Medicine
      • Immune System
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
      • Size and Scale
      • Circles
    • Representation
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Formulating Explanations

Informal Categories

  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Yu, Julie

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2006

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0610238
  • National Science Foundation, 0925383