Germs Make Me Sick!
By Melvin Berger
Illustrated by, Marylin Hafner
Grade: second to third
Genre: non- Fiction
About the Author
Melvin Berger was born in Brooklyn, New York. Now living in East Hampton, New York, Berger has over 200 non-fiction science books, several of which are award winning. Berger does a phenomenal job in simplifying difficult science concepts to younger readers. Going to college for electrical engineering and music, he then recieved a Masters degree in music education. Melvin and his wife, Glida, collaborate for the Scholastic Question-And-Answer series. Click on the link above for more information!
About The Book
What a great read for younger readers! The text can be read to the class, or read in small groups. Packed with information the lesson ideas are endless! The book combines literacy and science together, explaining the defenses the body has over our enviroment and the many germs that plague it. It also touches on the fact that not all germs are bad! It talks about how bacteria multiply, white blood cells, antibodies, briefly touches on the circulatory system, and viruses.
Lesson
Purpose: What germs are, and how they effect our bodies (immune system) .
Pre-assessment: Give a short "test" to view background knowledge. Making it multiple choice or short response.
Lesson: After the students have read the book, they will learn about the term immune system. Then begin the concept of germs and that there are 1000's of them that come in all shapes. This will be done in a class discussion then backed up with a worksheet where they draw some of the images in the books, they can also draw how the germs multiply over hours. Also, it is important to explain that our skin is our largest defense system against germs, but when our skin and tiny nose hairs don't work, then our bodies start to take action inside. Our bodies white blood cells and antibodies go after the germs. Students can create there own blood stream by doing this: You will need get a zip lock bag, gel, tape, and three different small objects (many of them). One will represent the red blood cells, white blood cells and antibodies. The gel will go in the bag, place several of the objects into the bag then tape shut. Students can then use it to write about our immune system.
* This can also be shown by using the students as the red and white blood cells, and antibodies. Create signs or shirts representing each one and clear an open space in the classroom! Then let the students go to work as they visually and actively show what is happening! Then allow the students to write there observations relating it the immune system.
Post assessment: Using written response look over students work, a test should be used as well.
