Lesson 1

Mystery Concept (concept development and vocabulary acquisition): Students will construct a concept of "pathogen" and develop an understanding of key vocabulary for the unit. A multi-day biological experiment will be started so that results can be observed later in the week.

Lesson 2

Janus Discussion (unit look-ahead and graffiti exercise): Teacher will present an outline of the learning unit and describe the final project expected at the end of the 3-week unit. Students will collaborate using the graffiti exercise to share their previous knowledge about microorganisms and pathogens.

Lesson 3

Microorganisms Research (jigsaw and critical reading): Students will break into groups and each individual within each group will review different information sources to collectively answer basic questions about microorganisms.

Lesson 4

Research / Lab: Students will complete their research and work together in their groups to answer questions. Whole class will review the research and discuss conclusions. Biology experiment with bacteria and household cleaners will be documented in lab notebooks.

Lesson 5

Me, Myself, and My Microbes I (fast art): Students will be introduced to the concept of the human microbiome and create art to express their feelings and intellectual understanding of that relationship.