Viruses Lesson Plan: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
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This lesson accompanies the BrainPOP topic Viruses, and supports the standard of constructing an explanation for real-world phenomena. Students demonstrate understanding through a variety of projects.
Step 1: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
Prompt students to list ways to prevent spreading illness, like hand washing and social distancing when sick. Ask students:
- What do you think makes people sick?
Step 2: BUILD BACKGROUND
- Read the description on the Viruses topic page.
- Play the Movie, pausing to check for understanding.
- Have students read one of the two Related Reading articles. Partner them with someone who read a different article to share what they learned with each other.
Step 3: ENGAGE
Students express what they learned about viruses while practicing essential literacy skills with one or more of the following activities. Differentiate by assigning ones that meet individual student needs.
- Make-a-Movie: Imagine you are a virus looking for a host. Produce an advertisement that answers the question: Why do viruses need a host? (Essential Literacy Skill: Determine central ideas)
- Make-a-Map: Make a concept map sequencing the events that occur when a virus enters a host. (Essential Literacy Skill: Summarize key details)
- Creative Coding: Code a game where players determine whether or not information about viruses is evidence they’re alive. (Essential Literacy Skill: Acquire and use domain specific words and phrases)
Step 4: APPLY & ASSESS
Apply: Students take the Viruses Challenge, applying essential literacy skills while demonstrating what they learned about this topic.
Assess: Wrap up the lesson with the Viruses Quiz.
Step 5: EXTEND LEARNING
Related BrainPOP Topics: Deepen understanding of viruses and other illnesses with these topics: Immune System, Flu and Flu Vaccine, and Vaccines.
Additional Support Resources:
- Modifications for BrainPOP Learning Activities: Strategies to meet ELL and other instructional and student needs.
- BrainPOP Learning Activities Support: Resources for best practices using BrainPOP.