Lesson 1:
Curriculum Title: Science
Grade Level: 5th
Subject/Topic Areas: Microorganisms
Key Words: earth, decomposers, nature, nutrients, soil, inquiry, content, microorganisms, microbes
Curricular Context
This requires students to inquire and use the core content they possess about microorganisms. They will
also need an understanding of the relationship between microorganisms and nature. Students should
essentially know the effects of life if the decomposers didnt do their jobs or nutrients werent returned
to the soil. Life for mankind wouldnt exist if it werent for these living organisms we cant see with the
naked eye. Students will make a STEAM infographic that focuses on the beneficial and harmful aspects
of microorganisms. This is a unique way to emphasize a new pathway to STEAM learning that leverages
the capacity of the arts and technology to visualize and communicate. These are good general overviews
of how similar and different microorganisms (compare and contrast) can be. Having students create
their own infographic is in essence helping them visualize what they need to know about
microorganisms. This visualization will specifically support the visual learner, but more important it will
give the other students the necessary information needed to engage each other in more meaningful
dialogue.
Standard(s) Addressed:
1a - identify beneficial microorganisms and explain why they are beneficial
1b - identify harmful microorganisms and explain why they are harmful
11c - categorize relationships between organisms that are competitive or mutually beneficial (GPS)
Big Idea / Concept: The big idea is that life as we know it would be nonexistent if it werent for
microorganisms. This seems far-fetched; however microorganisms have different functions in the world
of nature that keep everything in balance with each other.
Enduring Understanding: Using Project Based Learning to utilize teamwork principles among students.
Having students come up with different ways to visually present the research theyve completed would
be another way to conclude their scientific explorations.
Essential Question: What would happen to the earth without microorganisms? This is an essential
question because it requires students to initially inquire and use core content about microorganisms.
Appropriate technologies and tools: Computers for research purposes to determine the different jobs
that microbes have and what effect they have on the natural world. The impact of arts-based learning
strategies on STEAM communication is a requirement for the 21st century learner. Students need the
creativity that comes from incorporating the arts into traditionally analytical subject areas. Science labs
are very similar to studio experiences in art and music in which students learn through exploration and
discovery. Developing an idea, exploring solutions to said idea, and doing hands-on activities to discover
and learn at their own pace lead to an independent motivated learner.
What key knowledge, skills, & dispositions will students acquire as a result of this curriculum?
They would conclude that without microorganisms we wouldnt experience life as we know it today.
Students will also understand that without the decomposers to get rid of dead plants and animals and
return nutrients to the soil there wouldnt be an enriched soil environment to grow food. Using Project
Based Learning is a great way to use teamwork among your students. Having them come up with
different ways to present visually the research they've done would be a nice wrap up to their science
explorations.
KNOWLEDGE -Content students will remember: The major beneficial roles that microbes have played on
the earth and how that relationship has blossomed over eons.
SKILLS - Students will be able to: describe, define, analyze and predict probable outcomes on the earth
without microorganisms.
DISPOSITIONS - Building students beliefs and values toward: The sum of whole it takes the entire
ecosystem to effectively function together and not independently for positive results. Students believe
that with the right tools they can function independently and when they collaborate with each their
knowledge will increase substantially.
ASSESSMENT: What evidence is used to show that students understand? Formative: Student awareness
should spark prior learning experiences, initiates discussions, makes students rethink big ideas and
constantly ask probing questions. These questions are open-ended and require that the utilization of
prior and gained knowledge is reflective of their thinking. Dependent upon the level of the student there
should be a combination of formative assessments on a daily basis such as verbal responses,
observation of interaction within groups, drawings and even student original mnemonic devices.
Summative: Students will be able to explain and describe what would happen if microorganisms werent
on earth.
Objectives from 6 Facets + Misconceptions:
EXPLAIN: the relationship between microbes and the plane
APPLY: their knowledge of microbes and purposes on earth. Collaborate in groups to come up with ways
to communicate the relationship of microbes and their purposes.
INTERPRET: how microbes play such an important role in life on earth as we know it.
EMPATHIZE: if microorganisms didnt exist - what would that mean for mankind.
GAIN PERSPECTIVE: understand how valuable our natural resources are and they need to be protected.
GAIN SELF KNOWLEDGE: by making models of eliminating certain types of microbes and then deciding
what consequences would happen to the planet using STEAM integration to show what the earth would
look like without microbes (based on facts and renditions).
OVERCOME THE NAVE VIEW OF: (Misconceptions) That earth and mankind could survive without
microorganisms. Student need to stay abreast of current microbiological changes, there was actually a
good virus; the cowpox virus. This virus helped eradicate the smallpox virus (the only disease ever
known to be wiped out by man). Scientists are working on viruses that will attack and kill bacteria
instead of antibiotics. Some bacteria strains are becoming resistant to antibiotics.
