How do diseases spread? Often from one person to another. In this activity, students simulate such an infection. They use clear liquids and walk through a series of exchanges before adding an indicator to see if they're infected. By tracking the sequence of exchanges, students can determine the original pair that were infected.
Use this to learn and reinforce answers to questions such as:
❑ How do diseases spread through a community?
❑ How can you track the spread of disease?
❑ Why is tracking a disease important?
Once students try this activity, they can capture their observations using the included Lab Notes or probing questions included in the instructions.
Concepts Addressed
♦ Many diseases spread through contact
♦ Infections can be tracked through a community
♦ Unchecked, diseases spread exponentially
Answer Keys and Teacher Notes address most questions and issues that might arise in this study—you shouldn’t have to do any outside research unless you want to.
Materials Needed Cornstarch and iodine OR citric acid and bromothymol blue; small plastic cups (1 per student)
Prep Needed Number and fill the cups with the appropriate solutions according to the directions
Teaching Time 1 class period.
Student Sheets Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting
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