Viruses Lesson Plan: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

Grade Levels: 6-8, 9-12

*Click to open and customize your own copy of the Viruses Lesson Plan.

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: