Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Microbes Across the Tree of Life

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

In this lesson, students explore how scientists classify living organisms, then gather information about five of the main categories of microbes: bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae, and contrast the term microbes with systems of scientific classification to show how it is distinct and that microbes are found across the tree of life.

    Science (2015) Grade(s): 09-12 - Biology

    SC15.BIO.13

    Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain how organisms are classified by physical characteristics, organized into levels of taxonomy, and identified by binomial nomenclature (e.g., taxonomic classification, dichotomous keys).

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SC15.BIO.13

    Vocabulary

    • Classification
    • Taxonomy
    • Binomial nomenclature
    • Taxon
    • Genus
    • Family
    • Order
    • Class
    • Phylum
    • Division
    • Kingdom
    • Domain
    • Dichotomous key
    • Virus
    • Capsid
    • Lytic cycle
    • Lysogenic cycle
    • Retrovirus
    • Prion

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Historical systems of classification (Aristotle, Linnaeus).
    • Taxa are organized into a hierarchal system—each taxa contained within another, arranged from broadest to most specific.(domain ← kingdom ← phylum ← class ← order ← family ← genus ← species)
    • Characteristics of living things: made of cells, obtain and use energy, grow and develop, reproduce, respond to their environment, adapt to their environment.
    • Viruses do not exhibit all the characteristics of life: they do not possess cells, nor are they cells, they have no organelles to take in nutrients or use energy, they cannot make proteins, they cannot move, and they cannot replicate on their own.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Organize items based on physical characteristics and/or DNA sequences, etc. and communicate reasoning to others.
    • Design a classification scheme (e.g., dichotomous key) for a collection of common but not necessarily related objects.
    • Correctly write an organism's name using binomial nomenclature.
    • Research viruses using a variety of sources—analysis should include viral life cycles, reproductive strategies and their structure and function.
    • Argue from evidence whether a virus is living or not.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Biologists find it easier to communicate and retain information about organisms when organisms are organized into groups.
    • Though viruses exhibit several of the characteristics of life, they are not considered to be living things and are not included in the biological classification system.

    Scientific and Engineering Practices

    Engaging in Argument from Evidence; Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

    Crosscutting Concepts

    Patterns
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Lesson/Unit Plan

    Resource Provider

    National Geographic
    Accessibility

    Accessibility

    Text Resources: Content is organized under headings and subheadings
    License

    License Type

    Custom
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