Pre K through Grade 2

Grade Levels: Pre-K through Grade 2

Estimated Teaching Time: 30 minutes

Interdisciplinary Connections

Objective

Children will learn that there are many varieties of germs and that two types are viruses and certain bacteria.

What Children Do

Children will see what different germs look like under a microscope and compare their physical attributes. They can even create a germ of their own.

Materials Required

Advanced Preparation

Suggested Sequence

Ask children if they can see the wind. How do we know it’s there? [We see what it does, such as making the trees blow. We can feel it on our faces.] Now, look at your hands. What do you see? [We can't see them, but we know germs are there.]
Advise children that germs are tiny living organisms, also called microbes, that can’t be seen with our eyes alone and that cause disease. Explain that, to see germs, we need the help of a microscope, which is like a giant magnifying glass. Microscopes help us to see things that are very, very small in size. Hold up the microscope (or the photograph).
Explain that there are many types of germs. Ask children where they think germs are most likely found. [Germs can be found in so many places that they're virtually everywhere.]?
Tell children that the two most common types of germs that make us sick are viruses and certain bacteria. Show the pictures of bacteria and viruses as seen under the microscope. Have children describe what these germs look like.
Distribute coloring sheets and have children color them in. After 15 to 20 minutes, collect sheets and ask children to draw some germs based on what they have learned.

Check for Understanding

Ask the following questions:

What are germs?
How can we see germs?
Where can germs be found?
What kinds of shapes do bacteria have? [Little round balls, straight rods, twisted spiral shapes, metal screws with spider legs.]
What kinds of shapes do viruses have? [Balls with spikes sticking out on all sides, loaves of bread, tadpoles.]

Extensions

Have children draw a bacterium or virus of their own and give it a name.
Build a model bacterium or virus with classroom materials or recyclable materials from home.
Set up a microscope for viewing various slides of germs.
Compare common food items to the shapes of germs. For example, you could use cake sprinkles for rods and macaroni for spirals. Make a collage using the items.

Words to Share

What Are Germs?