Subject
Objective
Description/What to do in the classroom
Things to consider/science behind it
Number of TryScience.org features used
Titles of TryScience.org features
Materials Used
Attachments

Subject
Science/Math/Art

Objective
1. Students will be able to identify the structure of a virus from building a model of a new virus which is designed to attack the respiratory system.
2. Students will compare and contrast RNA and DNA viruses using a Venn diagram.
3. Students will model the effects of viruses on lung capacity using two different labs.
4. Students will demonstrate the movement of a virus in a population through a structured lab activity.

Science Standards: (List as applicable)
New York State Standards:

Science Standard 4: (Intermediate) Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principals and theories pertaining to the physical setting and the living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

a. Compare and contrast the parts of plants, animals, and one-celled organisms
b. Living things are composed of cells. Cells provided the structure and carry on the major functions to sustain life. Cells are usually microscopic in size.
c. Explain the functioning of the major human organ systems and their interactions.
d. The human organism has systems for digestion, respiration, circulation, excretion, control and coordination, movement and for protection from disease. These systems interact with one another.
e. During respiration, cells use oxygen to release the energy stored in food. To do this, the respiratory system supplies oxygen and removes carbon dioxide: this is called gas exchange
f. Organisms inherit genetic information in a variety of ways that result in continuity of structure and function between parents and offspring.
G. Describe sexual and asexual mechanisms for passing genetic materials from generation to generation.
H. Hereditary information is contained in genes, composed of molecule known as DNA and located in the chromosomes of cells
I. Observe and describe cell division at the microscopic level and its macroscopic effects J. In multicellular organisms, cell division is responsible for growth, maintenance and repair.

Mathematics Standard 1: (intermediate) Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.
a. Critical thinking skills are used in the solution of mathematical problems
b. Apply mathematical knowledge to solve real-world problems and problems that arise from the investigation of mathematical ideas, using representations such as pictures, charts, and tables.
c. The central purpose of scientific inquiry is to develop explanations of natural phenomena in a continuing creative process.
d. Construct explanations independently for natural phenomena, especially by proposing preliminary visual models of phenomena.

Description/What to do in the classroom
1. Students will use the TryScience website to complete the lung capacity experiment. They will create their own spirometer to measure the amount of air that their lungs can hold.
2. Students will research variations in lung capacity depending on the size of the individual and compare research to their own findings. In addition, research the effects of the common cold virus on the lungs capacity.
3. Students will simulate the effects of a virus on their lung capacity. They will modify their spirometers to illustrate how a virus blocks air flow into and out of the lungs and how alveoli lose their ability to expand and contract. The same TryScience experiment will be used, but the spirometers will be altered. Students will brainstorm how they can reduce the amount of oxygen the lung can hold and alter their spirometers. Their research on the common cold should help them alter their spirometers.
4. Students will work with their health teacher to discuss general lung diseases, such as emphysema, cancer, and asthma. Investigating how these disorders effect lung capacity and ultimately the effects they have on the body.
5. Students will research the various types of viruses, such as DNA and RNA viruses.
6. Students will use the TryScience DNA detective experiment to learn about DNA basics and how DNA can be useful to investigators.
7. Students will explore DNA, RNA, and Viruses more indepthly using a guided PowerPoint presentation.
a. Using the PowerPoint students will be required to construct a Venn diagram comparing DNA & RNA.
b. Answer comprehension questions to ensure understanding of material.
If questions are not answered correctly, this is a signal to the teacher the student does not understand information and material must be learned differently.
c. Draw a diagram of a cell identifying the various parts, including describing how a virus enters the cell and begins to alter the cells DNA.
8. Students use the TryScience field trip to enter the techniquest symmetry exhibit. On this field trip they will construct a symmetrical pattern for their virus.
9. Students will invent a new virus. Using their diagram they created on the field trip they will construct a 3D model of their new virus. In addition, they will demonstrate how it enters the body.

Things to consider/science behind it
1. The structure of a virus and how it is going to get into its host
2. How the lungs function within the respiratory system and they are effected by viruses.
3. The importance of the lungs in supplying oxygen to the body cells

Curriculum topics
1. Life science (anatomy, physiology, genetics, classification)
2. Math (graphing, interpreting charts and diagrams, symmetry)
3. Health science (disease)
4. Art(symmetry and design)

Integration of TryScience.org features
The Lung Capacity experiment is used twice with the students. The students conduct the experiment to investigate their own lung capacity. After researching the common cold and its effects on the body, students will conduct the lung capacity experiment again but altering the lung cpacity in some form. For example, they may put cotton balls in the liter bottle to acts as inflammed avelio or they may restrict the tube with a rubber band to simulate inflammed bronchial tubes.

DNA Detective is used for students to develop an understanding of DNA. Using another website, students look at common viruses and look at their DNA. In additon, students view an interactive PowerPoint presentation that explains the differences between RNA and DNA viruses.

Once students develop an understanding of viruses, they begin to construct their own virus. Using the Techniquest field trip, students will begin to create a symmetrical model of their virus. From their plan students will build a 3D model of their virus. Students will explain to the class how their virus affects the body.

Number of TryScience.org features used
0-5

Titles of TryScience.org features
Experiments:
DNA Detective
Lung Capacity

Field Trips:
Techniquest

Materials Used
Computers to view powerpoint presentation
Any available materiasl they would like can be used to build model of virus(tennis ball, markers, candy, styrafoam, etc)

Modificationstothelesson.doc(Microsoft Word, 19 kb)