Primary 6 – Science: We Are Pathogens
“Achoo..!” That is the sound that we make when we have flu or cold. Flu and cold are considered as infectious diseases. Infectious diseases are diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another. Primary 6 students learned about human diseases in Science class. Students learned that infectious diseases are caused by the infection of pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasite. Infection happens when the pathogens reproduce in our body. These pathogens can spread from one person to another through air, body fluid, contaminated food and water, physical contact and mosquito bites.
To deepen and share students’ understanding about the materials, they were given a task to have a “We Are Pathogens” presentation in group. Like its name, students became pathogens to deliver the information of infectious diseases. In a group, there were student who became a virus, a bacteria, a fungi and a parasite. For preparing the presentation, first students needed to discuss the content of presentation with their members. The content included opening statements, the definition of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasite along with the examples of the diseases, things that we can do to prevent the spread of diseases and the closing statements. In this process, students could decide the style of their presentation. There were groups which chose to present in a formal style, story-telling style and even television show style.
After students finished making the content of the presentation, they made a simple costume for cosplaying the pathogens. Here, students used their creativity to turn simple materials into costume. They turned plastic bag into shirt, cardboard into face mask, headband into pathogens decoration, and many more. Students enjoyed this creative process a lot since they could design their own personal costume and gave inspirations to their other friends. On the last day students learned this chapter, students finally present their “We Are Pathogens” presentation in front of the classroom. Many laughter and excitement were found in the classroom when each group presented their work.
From this activity, students not only learned about pathogens and infectious diseases by themselves, but they also learned from their friends during group discussion and presentation. Students could also try to find ways to learn Science in a fun way, not only by memorizing and listening from teacher’s explanation. After students know about infectious diseases and how it can spread, hopefully they can be aware of their health and surroundings. To prevent the spread of diseases, it is important for us to practise good hygiene. By doing this, we can protect ourselves and our closed people not to get infected by the pathogens. ***
