Unit 1 - Diseases

Content

• What a disease is and the different types of disease (communicable vs. non-communicable diseases)
• The difference between a pathogen and a microorganism.
• The different types of microorganisms (that could be potential pathogens too): virus, bacteria, protozoa and fungi.
• Malaria - what it is, how it is transmitted, symptoms, how it can be prevented, treatment.
• How communicable diseases are spread (droplet, ingestion, air, contact, (STD's) vectors, etc.)
• Spreading of disease simulation - patient zero.
• What the Germ theory is, the scientists who developed it and how it changed today's world.
• Physical barriers - skin, mucus, ear wax, tears, etc.
• How effective the skin is at protecting the body.
• Immune system - passive and active immunity.
• History of vaccination - Edward Jenner
• How vaccines work.
• MMR vaccine case study.
• What antibiotics are, types of antibiotics, and how using antibiotics helps the immune system fight infections.
• The misuse of antibiotics in food, agriculture, etc.
• Diseases throughout history - Black Death, Spanish flu, Measles, etc.

Skills and understanding

• Research skills in the research task on Malaria.
• Develop thinking skills by simulating the spread of disease.
• Develop critical thinking skills by experimenting with apples to simulate the skin as a protective layer.
• Organise events in time (germ theory timeline).
• Develop critical thinking skills by discussing MMR vaccine data (two sides of an argument).