Build a bug activity

Build a bug
Type:
Classroom activity
Age level:
14 years +
Topic area:
Pathogens, bacteria, Salmonella, food poisoning, typhoid fever
Description:

This is a classroom-based activity that allows students to explore the features of two bacterial pathogen genomes. The aim of this activity is to highlight the role of different genetic components in two closely related subspecies of Salmonella enterica and to identify how these contribute to the bacteria’s ability to infect their hosts causing two very distinct illnesses, food poisoning and typhoid fever.


The activity is suitable for GCSE and A-level students. Its supporting PowerPoint presentation can be used to discuss the role of bacteria in disease, the structure of a prokaryotic cell and how bacteria can acquire antibiotic resistance genes.


The activity can be carried out using either paper-based resources or a web-based tool.

Key words:

Pathogens, bacteria, viruses, flu, influenza, spread of infection

Running the activity:

To run this activity, you will need:
  1. Introductory presentation to pathogens, Salmonella and the activity
  2. Student worksheet (paper version or modelling version)
  3. Modelling materials (optional)
  4. Information cards (Reference Cards or Gene Fact cards)
  5. Computer with Build a bug animation (teachers’ use only)
  6. Flipchart / whiteboard
  7. Results spreadsheet (optional)
  8. Your Genome Scholar web tool (an online alternative to using the information cards)
  9. Computer with internet access (only needed if using Genome Scholar web tool)
Full instructions are provided in the Teachers’ notes.

Credits

Content: Francesca Gale, Gemma Langridge, Chris Stock, Bronwyn Terrill and John Wain
Graphics: Alex Bennett and Preeti Deshpande

Support Links:

Biology of emergent Salmonella exposed video

Related items:

Curriculum links:

This activity supports the following modules on the UK curriculum.

Click on the arrows below for further detail of the module.

Web links:

Additional sources of information on the web for teachers and students to increase their knowledge base on DNA, genes and genomes.