Microorganisms Lesson Plans

Sixth graders research the positive and negative aspects of microorganisms noting the challenges faced by early scientists. They investigate the history of a disease of their choosing and write a summary of their findings.

Learners examine the importance of aseptic technique, become familiar with media plates, and general microbiology techniques. They study the benefits and dangers of bacteria and other microorganisms in their lives.

Students explore composting. In this composting lesson, students use compound microscopes to observe the microbial communities in compost. Observations and documentation of changes will occur over the course of several weeks.

Students sort a list of marine animals and microorganisms to represent a marine life food chain.

Sixth graders identify microorganisms that cause food borne illnesses and how to prevent the spread of these illnesses. They categorize food into the food pyramid, complete a food diary for one day, discuss and observe recommended serving sizes, and read a sanitation study guide.

Students use their measurement skills by marking a bottle for construction purposes. They record qualitative and quantitative data and analyze their results. Students demonstrate evaluation of a small scale systems as a model for the macroscale environment around them by describing the pro's and con's of studying a small scale system.

Pupils identify that math relationships are linked to science and evaluate microscopic concepts. In this exploring science lesson students explore different cells and view them under a microscope. 

Students investigate bacteria that help and hurt cows. For this bacteria lesson students determine the difference between pathogenesis and symbiosis. They view bacteria through a microscope.

Students demonstrate knowledge of important advances in microbiology by creating a timeline of microbiological milestones. Student also demonstrate application of the many milestones in microbiology by researching and reporting on the current work being done by microbiologists. Each student researchers a microbiologist and use their findings to create a piece of the class microbiology timeline.

Students explore the concept of soil and decomposition. In this soil and decomposition lesson plan, students investigate bags of soil. Students then learn how  animals and other organisms help in the decomposition process.