KS1: Introduction to Microbes

This lesson is designed to introduce students to viruses, bacteria and fungi. The introductory activity allows students to combine their observational and creative skills to make a microbe of their own choice, exploring various microbial types and shapes.

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Learning objectives

All students will:

Understand there are three different types of microbes: viruses, bacteria and fungi
Understand microbes are all different shapes and sizes
Understand some microbes can be useful and some can be harmful

Most students will:

Understand that microbes are found everywhere
Understand most microbes are too small to be seen with the naked eye

Background Information

Micro-organisms, more commonly known as germs, bugs or microbes, are tiny living things too small to be seen with the naked eye. They are found almost everywhere on Earth. Some microbes are useful, and others can be harmful to humans.

Microbes come in many shapes and sizes. The three groups of microbes covered in the resource are viruses, bacteria and fungi.

This lesson plan supports you to introduce to students what microbes are develop an understanding that they can be useful and harmful. This forms the basis of future discussions on hygiene and infection.