Recognise that there are many very small organisms which can cause illness or decay or which can be used in food production and that these micro-organisms feed, grow and reproduce like other organisms.
Direct2U Lesson Plan
Children work in pairs or small teams to research one or more microbes (using an
internet site www.commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/dlc-me/index.html) and prepare a short written document or computer presentation to present this information to their peers. A writing frame is provided for this. forum.ngfl.gov.uk
Use the Intel Microscope to observe mould on food.
Observe mould and yeast growing, using time-lapse photography
Children could use simulation software to show changes in the populations of micro-organisms in different conditions.
An 8-minute video has been produced by the Food Standards Agency. It demonstrates the importance of good food hygiene, focusing on the 4 Cs (Cleaning, Cooking, Chilling and Cross-contamination). www.flyonthewall.com
The Sneeze: How Germs are Spread (youtube)
Micro-organisms
Explore how factors such as temperature and humidity affect the spread of microbes.
Children use secondary sources including CD-ROM and the Internet to find out about the uses of micro-organisms in food production e.g. yoghurt. (Snack Bar on Microbe Zoo website. See websites below)
Children to use secondary sources including CD-ROM and the Internet to find out about scientists e.g. Jenner, Pasteur and others who developed the ‘germ’ theory of diseases. (see websites below)
Use secondary sources e.g. videos, CD-ROMs to show a time-lapse sequence of decay e.g. within a compost heap.
Children create an information leaflet, or a multimedia presentation, of the information that they find.
Children grow mould on fruit and record its development using digital cameras.
Use secondary sources e.g. videos, CD-ROMs to show a time-lapse sequence of decay e.g. within a compost heap.
Children grow mould on fruit and record its development using digital cameras. 
