Viruses

Mr. JohnstonSaigon South International SchoolGrade 6 Science

Viruses: What are they?

◼Non-living. ◼Super small!◼Here are some examples

Reproductive Charachteristics

◼Need to attach themselves to a ‘host’ to reproduce.

◼ The inject their DNA (genetic material) into the cells of a healthy host.

◼A “good” virus doesn’t kill it’s host, because it knows it will die too.

◼Some viruses kill their host, some don’t.

◼Viruses are like a “parasite”

Common non-lethal viruses◼ Influenza ◼ Hepatitis A

Lethal (Deadly Viruses)

EBOLA AIDS

3 Minute Discussion

◼How can we protect ourselves from viruses?”

Protecting ourselves from viruses

◼Vaccines: Medicine that ‘prevents’ us from a virus infection.*Note: some viruses can adapt and change to vaccines thus making them useless. (H1N1, Influenza)

◼Not coming into contact with infected people.

◼Knowing which virus there are no vaccinations for (AIDS)

Activity

◼“Spreading Viruses”You will have a card that shows which

virus you have been vaccinated for. If you become infected with a virus, you will pass it on to others. If you get infected, be sure to indicate it on your card.

Follow Up Discussion

◼Based on the data, which vaccines were the most common?

◼Based on the data, which vaccines were the least common?