I Am an Ecosystem: An Elementary Introduction to Microbes

by North Carolina State University 4-H

Overview

We are not alone."

Historically, this phrase has conjured up images of aliens waiting in space to descend on our unsuspecting planet. However, advances in technology over the years have meant that "we are not alone" applies to our own bodies, our own sense of self in the universe. It turns out that we are colonial creatures. For every one of our cells that is "us," we also host ten times as many bacterial cells. Our digestive system alone is estimated to contain between 500 and 1,000 different bacterial species. Furthermore, we are learning that these bacteria and other microbes that inhabit our bodies, known collectively as our "microbiome," are essential for our survival. Our microbiome helps to train our immune system to recognize invaders. It also helps us to better process food and nutrients. Some studies even suggest that our microbiome may affect our moods! Without our trillions of hitchhikers, we would be lost. However, despite our close relationship with our microbiome, not all bacteria are helpful to us. Many bacteria, which are fine outside of our bodies, become disease-causing pathogens once they get inside. Our bodies have many natural defenses against these invaders, including our skin, our mucous membranes, and our immune system. However, some do find their way in.

In this book, you'll....
* Confront some of the myths and facts surrounding microbes in general and Salmonella in particular.
* Examine where microbes grow in the environment and under what conditions.
* Investigate the roles that microbes play in a healthy ecosystem as well as the roles that microbes play in our own bodies.
* Examine the negative effects of microbes as they investigate a disease outbreak.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781732982307
Publisher:	North Carolina 4-H
Publication date:	01/16/2019
Series:	NC 4-H Microbiology Curricula , #1
Pages:	196
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.53(d)
Age Range:	8 - 10 Years

About the Author

About the Organization

North Carolina 4-H directs research and evidence-based projects that incorporate life skill development by using the resources of extension, land grant universities, other universities, and youth-serving agencies. NC 4-H is a community-based and locally supported organization, relying on its trained professional staff and volunteers.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Scope and Sequence

Experiential Learning

Lesson 1: Microbes All Around and Inside Us

Youth develop mental models for understanding the volume of microbes in the human body. Youth also begin an experiment on microbe growth which will continue throughout the entire unit. Writing is integrated using the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning format as well as a “KWL” (Know, Want to Know, Learned) chart.

Print Materials for Lesson 1

Lesson 2: Role of Microbes in an Ecosystem

Youth play a game to simulate the role of microbes in healthy ecosystems and to better understand the ideas of “producer,” “consumer,” and “decomposer.” Writing is integrated throughout the lesson using the “Claim-Evidence-Reasoning” format. Youth continue the experiment started in lesson 1.

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Lesson 3: The Ecosystems Inside Us

Youth continue the experiment from Lesson 1. They practice making observations, comparing substances before and after microbes act upon it, in order to understand the chemical changes that occur during digestion/decomposition. Youth also watch a video on the digestive system in order to understand how digestion happens in humans and how bacteria influence digestion.

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Lesson 4: The Body’s Natural Defenses

Youth investigate the defense systems that the body has in place in order to deter parasites. They rotate through three different stations in order to better understand how the body’s defenses work. Additionally, youth continue adding to their observations for the experiment from Lesson 1.

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Lesson 5: CSI Bacteria

Youth are presented with a patient suffering from a mysterious disease. They conduct research using “Case Files” from four potential candidates. By matching the patient’s history and symptoms with the information from the Case Files, youth determine which pathogen has invaded the patient’s body.

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Lesson 6: Engineering a Solution: Defense in Food Safety

Youth use their knowledge of microbes, ecosystems, and food safety in order to develop a technology (product or process) that will help reduce food-borne bacterial illnesses. Youth use the Engineering Design Process as they work in teams to create their solution to the real-world problem of salmonellosis.

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Appendix A: Grab and Go Lessons

These stand-alone lessons can be used with Lessons 1-6 or as a shorter alternative to the main lessons.

Grab and Go 1: Germs All Around

Youth learn about the ways harmful microbes can spread throughout a population through a series of simulations.

Print Materials for Grab and Go 1

Grab and Go 2: Microbial Munchies

Youth observe and compare properties of milk and yogurt in order to understand the chemical changes that occur when microbes begin to digest a food source.

Print Materials for Grab and Go 2

Grab and Go 3: Microbes on the Menu

Youth determine which type of lunch box is best in terms of food safety.

Print Materials for Grab and Go 3

Appendix B: Support Materials

Appendix C: Teaching Tips and Techniques

Appendix D: Glossary of Scientific Terms

References