Grade 8: Weeks of May 23rd to June 3rd

PATHOGENS PROJECT

We will complete a project on pathogens, or disease causing microbes. There will be seven elements to this project:

1. Notes: due May 26th (10 marks)
2. Research: one print out, magazine, or book due May 24th (5 marks)
3. Bibliography: due May 26th (5 marks)
4. Written research paper: May 27th (20 marks)
5. A power point (regular power point, or Prexis) or poster on Glogster: May 27th (10 marks)
6. Presentations: May 31st and June 1st (10 marks)
7. Participation: 10 marks

There will be time in Science class and Technology class to complete work, but students will need to bring in one piece of research to Science class. Any work that is not completed in class must be completed at home. Students will present in partner groups, may do the power point or poster together, and may help each other as needed. However, notes, research paper, bibliography, and research must be done individually and each student will receive an individual mark for his/her efforts. Parents must approve of your research topic.

The research project will consist of the following paragraphs:

1. Introduction: introductory statement, define your pathogen, tell which type of microbe it is (virus, bacteria, protist, fungi), and what you will discuss in your essay.

2. Special characteristics: Describe the pathogen and its special characteristics (physical characteristics, most common victims, most common area it is found, any epidemics, etc.)

3. Spread of the pathogen (host to host by ingestion/inhalation/touch, spread by vectors, spread by environmental sources, who is most susceptible) and favorable conditions for the disease (warm climate, unsanitary conditions, overcrowding, contamination, etc)

4. Symptoms and treatment of infection

5. Prevention: antimicrobial solutions, washing hands, not drinking unsanitary water, government regulation, etc.