Pathogens - Intro Unit on Pathogenic Microorganisms, Vectors, Hosts, Germ Theory

This packet includes 11 engaging, knowledge-building activities for students to learn about…

1. the 5 types of pathogenic organisms – bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists and worms

2. some diseases caused by each type of pathogen

3. vectors and hosts

4. antigens and antibodies – and basic facts about the human immune response to pathogens,

5. vaccines, and

6. 8 scientists who greatly contributed to our knowledge about pathogens and how to prevent and fight their infections.

This product includes…

1. Study guide for students that includes vocabulary, diseases and vectors to know and scientists to know

2. 11 knowledge-building and review activities so students are fully engaged in their learning

3. Video links (I chose videos that are fine for middle school and up; there are more complex and high school level and up that can be found on YouTube, such as the Crash Course videos.)

4. Unit Test with answer key

Knowledge-building Activities (Teacher Directions Provided Before Each Activity):

1. Word Drawing

2. Frayer Model vocabulary cards

· Basic style for any vocabulary words

· Cards for the pathogenic organisms

3. Acrostic Cards

4. Truth and Lie Cards

5. Hierarchical Flow Chart on Pathogenic Organisms and Diseases

6. Linear Flow Charts

7. Know Your Scientists Cloze Activity

8. Word Pairs

9. Summarizing the immune response

10. The Real Story Behind Germ Theory

11. Disease Detectives