Unit 1, AK Lesson 2

Understanding Bacterial Infections

Overview

In this unit, we explore the nature of bacterial infections, emphasizing how they can make us severely ill and the growing challenges in treating these infections. The motivation behind our study is the critical need to understand the mechanisms of bacteria and their impact on human health, especially as antibiotic resistance becomes more prevalent.

Question of the Day

As part of the lesson, students are prompted to reflect on the question: How can bacteria make us so sick? This question serves to anchor our investigation into the nature of bacterial pathogens and their interactions with the human body.

Engagement and Preparation

Initial Steps for Students

Upon entering class:

• Students are to create a new page in their science notebooks titled "Unit 1, Lesson 2" and include the date and guiding question. This helps in organizing their thoughts and notes for the day's lesson.

• Cell phones must be put away to minimize distractions and enhance focus during the lesson.

Introductory Activity: Turn and Talk

Students engage in a thought-provoking discussion regarding a case related to bacteria, specifically MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). This encourages critical thinking as students ponder whether Liam's experience with MRSA is unique or part of a larger pattern among bacterial infections.

Academic Integrity in Science

Collaboration vs. Cheating

It is essential to define the concepts of collaboration and cheating within the context of scientific learning:

• Collaboration: Involves working together to identify solutions. This may include brainstorming, designing experiments, and having academic discussions.

• Cheating: Refers to submitting someone else’s work as your own, copying, or using unauthorized materials.

Emphasizing academic integrity prepares students to engage responsibly in group settings and contribute authentically.

Case Studies and Close Reading

Getting Into the Details

Students are instructed to log into Canvas for case study assignments. Each student will:

• Review and take notes on their assigned case study using a graphic organizer.

• Apply the Close Reading Protocol, which encourages reading with purpose by fostering an inquisitive stance towards the content. Students should ask questions about surprising elements, prior knowledge assumptions, and any confirmations or challenges to their understanding during the reading.

Academic Conversations

In preparing for discussions, students will:

• Use specific scientific vocabulary and directly reference texts or notes to substantiate their points.

• Engage in critical analysis, discussing both the strengths and weaknesses of various scientific models or findings.

• Maintain open-mindedness, considering various perspectives and adapting their views based on new insights.

Group Work and Sharing Expertise

Collaborating with Expert Groups

Students will break into expert groups to:

• Develop a deep understanding of their assigned case study, examining connections and differences with the known case of Liam.

• Share findings across various case studies through a jigsaw activity, identifying patterns and extracting themes related to the severity of bacterial infections and potential risks to student health.

Reflection and Investigation

Taking Stock

Students are encouraged to reflect on how and why bacterial infections are becoming increasingly severe:

• Individually, they will formulate at least one question related to the lesson, using their notebooks and previous activities for inspiration. This encourages personal inquiry and stimulates curiosity about bacterial behavior and treatment challenges.

Driving Question Board

A collective board featuring the core question: How can bacteria make us so sick, and why are these infections getting harder to treat? is maintained for continuous reference and discussion throughout the unit.

Exit Ticket

At the end of the lesson, students are asked to write down a specific question they would like to investigate further, focusing on topics like bacterial growth and culture techniques to enhance their practical understanding of microbiology.