Established Goals: Why are microorganisms so important for the animal/human world?

Next Generation Science Standard: 1) MS-LS1-b: Design and conduct an investigation to generate evidence that unicellular organisms, like multicellular organisms, survive by obtaining food and water, disposing of waste, and having an environment in which to live. 2) MS-LS2-d: Construct explanations for common patterns of interactions within different ecosystems. Understanding(s): Essential Question(s): 1) What are microbes (bacteria)? Bacteria structure, function, and 2) How can bacteria be harmful? importance. 3) What do unicellular organisms, like Relationship with multicellular bacteria, do for the animal/human organisms, both good and bad. world? Students will know and be able to: Recall the three different types of bacteria and their properties Explain the harmful effects bacteria can have on the human and animal ecosystem Explain the role bacteria and other microbes play in helping with certain functions and processes in the ecosystem Identify the species-species interaction when given information about the relationship (i.e. parasitism, communalism, mutualism, etc.) Performance Task(s): Other Evidence: Students will go through labs and Entrance/Exit Slips develop/test their own hypothesis Quizzes and Tests about the phenomenon that occur in the microbiological world. o Students will be able to test and re-test their hypothesis in order to come to the right conclusion. Students will also infer characteristics of bacteria by observing their life style by applying their knowledge from the readings to what they witness in a microscope slide. Learning Activities: 1) Demonstration Lesson will introduce to students the field of bacteria and microorganisms. a. This lesson will also be a hook for the students through the challenge of finding the surface that has the most bacteria that grows on the plate. 2) Labs throughout the unit looking at the effects of bacteria growing on certain substances will help to show the students that something as common as milk can be altered by bacteria. 3) Graphic organizers and fold-able study guides will help those students that are more visual learners. 4) Students will simulate nitrogen-fixating bacteria in a whole class activity that will also allow for assessments to be done to judge student understanding of the material.