Activity

Exploring microorganisms

In this activity, students research and summarise the key features of bacteria, viruses and fungi.

What are viruses?

Dr Wendy Williamson of ESR’s water management team explains that viruses are extremely small infectious particles that need to infect cells in order to replicate themselves. Viruses infect every form of cellular life, from plants and animals to bacteria. Some viruses are capable of causing disease in the organisms they infect.

Rights: The University of Waikato

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

  • draw basic microorganisms

  • describe the key features of microorganisms related to structure, reproduction and feeding.

Download the Word file (see below) for:

  • introduction/background notes

  • what you need

  • what to do

  • student handout.

Published: 9 November 2008,Updated: 21 November 2014