KS2: Introduction to Microbes

Students learn about the different types of microbes – bacteria, viruses and fungi. They learn that microbes have different shapes and that they are found everywhere.

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Learning objectives

All students will:

Understand that bacteria, viruses and fungi are three main types of microbes
Understand that microbes are found everywhere

Most students will:

Understand that microbes come in different shapes and sizes and are too small to be seen by the naked eye
Understand that microbes can be beneficial, harmful or both

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. It is important to clarify that microbes are not innately ‘useful’ or ‘harmful’.

Although extremely small, microbes come in many different shapes and sizes. The three groups of microbes covered in this resource are viruses, bacteria and fungi.

This lesson plan will encourage students to consider the different types of microbes, become familiar with some of the most well known microbes, and design their own.