- Puzzlemaker
- Lesson Plans
- Featured Content
- Science of Everyday Life
- Energy Balance: 101
- Explore the Blue
- Web 20.10
- Siemens STEM Academy
- Understanding Epilepsy
- ReadyZone H1N1
- Think Green®
- Classroom Emergency Preparedness
- New Teacher Survival
- WebMath
- Clip Art
- NASA at 50
- Kathy Schrock's Guide
- Brain Boosters
- Curriculum Center
- Learning Adventures
- Worksheets to Go
- Parent Corner
- Science Fair Central
- Discovery Student Adventures
- Contests & Grants
Teacher Resources
Understanding Viruses
Author: Frank Weisel
Challenge your students to work together in groups as scientists investigating viruses. As scientists, the students will be challenged to invent ways of safeguarding against viruses. After the lesson, they'll have a better understanding that:
1. A virus is an infectious organism that reproduces within the cells of an infected host.
2. A virus is not alive until it enters the cells of a living plant or animal.
3. A virus contains genetic information wrapped in a protein coat.
4. Viruses can be useful as well as harmful.
5. A virus that mutates ensures its own survival by making itself unrecognizable to immune systems and vaccines.
6. Even viruses engineered for useful purposes can be harmful if unchecked.
