KS2: Useful Microbes
Students will learn that not all microbes are harmful by examining when microbes are useful to humans. A yeast racing competition is used to demonstrate to students that microbes can be beneficial.
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Learning objectives
All students will:
- Understand that some microbes can help keep us healthy
- Understand that some microbes can be put to good use
- Know that microbes grow at different rates depending on their environments
Most students will:
- Understand why we should use soap to wash our hands
- Understand that washing hands is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of microbes
Background Information
Microbes can be both useful and harmful. One of the main ways in which microbes are beneficial is in the food industry. Cheese, bread, yoghurt, chocolate, vinegar and alcohol are all produced through the growth of microbes.
The microbes used to make these products cause a chemical change known as fermentation – a process by which the microbes break down the complex sugars into simple compounds like carbon dioxide and alcohol.
This lesson plan will introduce the concept of useful microbes by looking at how fungi makes bread dough rise and identify other microbes that are used to make other food products.
Activities
Main activity:- Yeast Races
- Fill in the Blanks
Curriculum links
PHSE/RHSE:
- Health and prevention
Science:
- Working scientifically
English:
- Reading and comprehension