Mighty Microbes
Civil Engineering
Mighty Microbes explores civil engineering in activities designed to develop technical and creative skills whilst learning about the importance of microbes. The skill builder will enable pupils to thread needles and sew a range of stitches. They will use these skills in tinker time to create their own mighty microbe superhero or villain character to help to teach younger children about the characteristics of microbes.
EXPLORATION
Pupils explore 3 types of microbes and their characteristics: bacteria, viruses and fungi. Pupils will study one microbe and make their own drawing, painting or sculpture.
SKILL BUILDER
Pupils use the video tutorial to practise threading a needle and sewing different kinds of stitches.
TINKER TIME
Pupils will use their sewing skills from the skill builder to create their own mighty microbe superhero or villain character.
MEET AN ENGINEER
Katherine - Civil Engineer
These activity has been inspired by Katherine, a Civil Engineer. To help children better understand what engineering is and what engineers do, it is important that they have the opportunity to meet one (even virtually!) Use this video to introduce a real engineer to your class.
KATHERINE.pdf
Making Microbes
This activity explores microbes and their characteristics. It focuses on three main types of microbes
bacteria
viruses
fungi
Pupils will study one high quality image of a microbe and make their own
drawing
painting
sculpting
It might be fun to provide pupils with a petri dish to present and photograph their final models, drawings or paintings.
Resources from school
copies of microbes images
One or more of the following:
Colouring materials
Painting materials
Playdoh
Petri dishes (optional)
How is compost made?
This 6.30 minute video produced by RecycleNow.com explains how compost is made with the help of creatures and microbes!
Can pupils name some of the creatures and microbes shown in the video?
Sewing
(approx. 0.5 hours)Use the video to demonstrate how to thread a needle using a needle threading hack and practise different stitches: running stitch, back stitch and over casting.
Resources from Maker{kit}
Felt
Googly eyes
Needles
Cotton
Pipe cleaners
Resources from school
craft supplies
Be an Engineer Volunteer!
Can you help Katherine to make some mighty microbe superhero & supervillain characters?
Make a mighty microbe
Can you help younger children imagine what a microbe looks like it and what characteristics it has by turning it into a superhero or supervillain?
Make a soft toy microbe with real characteristics!
What type of microbe will you make?
Is it friendly or not?
Where would your microbe live?
Take it further?
Can you write a story about your mighty microbe?
How to sew a microbe
Use this video to demonstrate to pupils how to sew a microbe toy using felt
Resources from Maker{kit}
Felt
Googly eyes
Needles
Cotton
Pipe cleaners
Resources from school
craft supplies
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed or just have a question?
We understand that there are elements of these projects that may be new to you or that you feel unsure about having a go at. If there are things you are unsure about or want to ask questions, please email Alison Buxton alison.buxton@sheffield.ac.uk so we can support you.
Don't forget to take lots of photos and videos for your show reel to show at our celebration event.
When you have completed your projects - please submit your teacher and pupil feedback forms.
Have fun!
Risk Assessment
RA Mighty Microbes.pdfUse this risk assessment to support your planning and delivery of the Mighty Microbes project