lesson three
Topics:
Helpful vs. Harmful Bacteria
Lesson Hook
Have your students try and spot all the bacteria at work in the picture. Click here to launch the interactive!
Helpful Bacteria
Most bacteria are helpful and benefical to humans. Below are four examples of roles that helpful bacteria take on!
1. Recyclers- many bacteria are saprophytes, releasing digestive enzymes into organic material therefore breaking it down into nutrients that other organisms can absorb. Without bacteria, once-living organisms won’t decompose and therefore accumulate and prevent the biosphere from functioning properly.
2. Pollution controllers- through bioremediation some bacteria can consume polluting hydrocarbons. In 1989 there was an oil spill that humans couldn’t clean up. Fertilizer was sprayed to stimulate bacteria growth to start the process of bioremediation.
3. Probiotic agents- these bacteria help maintain health and have the potential to prevent disease. In the future, these bacteria may be included in foods, or in treatments for the ear, intestines, urinary tracts, tooth decay and possibly even cancers.
4. Bacteria in industry- some bacteria produce enzymes that are useful in industrial processes.
Harmful Bacteria
Case Study pg. 118-119
Divide your class into 4-5 groups. Have them complete the case study on pages 118-119. You can do this by using the jigsaw method.
LET'S SEE WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED THUS FAR! CLICK HERE TO TRY AN ONLINE QUIZ!
Helpful vs. Harmful Bacteria
Lesson Hook
Have your students try and spot all the bacteria at work in the picture. Click here to launch the interactive!
Helpful Bacteria
Most bacteria are helpful and benefical to humans. Below are four examples of roles that helpful bacteria take on!
1. Recyclers- many bacteria are saprophytes, releasing digestive enzymes into organic material therefore breaking it down into nutrients that other organisms can absorb. Without bacteria, once-living organisms won’t decompose and therefore accumulate and prevent the biosphere from functioning properly.
2. Pollution controllers- through bioremediation some bacteria can consume polluting hydrocarbons. In 1989 there was an oil spill that humans couldn’t clean up. Fertilizer was sprayed to stimulate bacteria growth to start the process of bioremediation.
3. Probiotic agents- these bacteria help maintain health and have the potential to prevent disease. In the future, these bacteria may be included in foods, or in treatments for the ear, intestines, urinary tracts, tooth decay and possibly even cancers.
4. Bacteria in industry- some bacteria produce enzymes that are useful in industrial processes.
Harmful Bacteria
Case Study pg. 118-119
Divide your class into 4-5 groups. Have them complete the case study on pages 118-119. You can do this by using the jigsaw method.
LET'S SEE WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED THUS FAR! CLICK HERE TO TRY AN ONLINE QUIZ!