Natural Selection and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Students use a model to explore the cause-and-effect relationship between inappropriate use of antibiotics and the phenomenon of the evolution of antibiotic resistance. This model is suitable when investigating bacterial infections in humans and other organisms, including livestock and pets. As they model the effects of antibiotics on the population of disease-causing bacteria they use mathematical representations to support their analysis of patterns and trends in the results. They then develop explanations for how and why the population of bacteria is changing and demonstrate that it is critical to remember to administer each dose on time and to complete the entire prescribed course of antibiotics.
Details at a Glance
- 1-2 Days | 1-2 ~50 minute class periods
- 1 Activity
- Accommodates unlimited classes, each with 8 groups of 4 students
- Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
- All materials are non-consumable
- Includes digital resources
- Developed in partnership with SEPUP
Scientific Concepts
Disciplinary Core Ideas
•MS-LS4.B Natural Selection
•MS-LS4.C Adaptation
Science and Engineering Practices
•Analyzing and Interpreting Data
•Developing and Using Models
•Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Crosscutting Concepts
•Patterns
•Cause and Effect
Key Vocabulary: antibiotics, bacteria, infection, model
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Full downloadable Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Downloadable Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis questions
- All materials necessary to carry out the investigation
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 240 Blue disks
- 240 Orange disks
- 320 Green disks
- 16 Number cubes
- 32 Student Guides
- 1 Teacher’s Guide with MSDS
- 1 Transparency: Bacteria Graph Sample 1
- 1 Transparency: Bacteria Graph Sample2
- Not included and needed for instruction: Timers.