Viruses Lesson Plans

Learners investigate the 1918 influenza pandemic. They simulate the creation of a DNA fingerprint using Flash animation, analyze "bar-code" DNA fingerprints to identify a virus, watch a video clip, and complete various online interactive activities.

Students comprehend the definition and uniqueness of life and its complexities. They examine what characteristics constitute a living organism. Students recognize the extent of the role viruses play in the movement and molding of life as we perceive it today.

Students examine the differences between a virus and a bacteriophage. They explore various websites, identify the parts of a virus and a bacteriophage, and construct a model of a virus or bacteriophage.

Learners describe the anatomy of a virus. In this biology activity, students compare and contrast the characteristics of bacteria and viruses. They discover the genetic adaptations of viruses over time.

Students examine the West Nile virus and how it is impacting an American Indian reservation,  In this virus activity students devise a prevention plan for an Indian reservation to help limit the transfer of the West Nile virus.

Students examine the differences among the strains of deadly viruses and create research-based visual displays about the origins of different strains, transmission, symptoms, treatments and historic impact of specific viruses.

Students research one of the many types of viruses. They create a 3-D model of the virus they researched with graphics software.

Students are organized into groups of four. On Day 1 they are given a worksheet about viruses and their effects on the evolution of a rabbit population. After about 30 minutes of group work, a class discussion of the material begins. On Day 2 they finish their group discussion and each team or group is assigned a research topic. After groups are organized and all questions answered, students begin the research process.

Students investigate the structure and adaptability of viruses. In this viral diseases lesson, students play a game to introduce viruses and disease. They conduct computer research and complete interactive activities to investigate the structure of viruses and how they spread disease.

Seventh graders assume different roles to determine the cause of a possible virus outbreak in their school. They must investigate the symptoms reported and determine the virus causing these conditions, analyze the body systems affected as well as the possible outcome, and develop suggestions for treatment and prevention.