MC	6^th Grade	Standard: 05
Objective: 03. Identify positive and negative effects of microorganisms and how science has developed positive uses for some microorganisms and overcome the negative effects of others.
ILO:

Every morning Sara eats an orange. Her mother keeps a bowl of fruit on the kitchen table for the family. Sara has noticed that this summer, the oranges have a few spots with white powdery appearance and taste bitter. She wonders what is happening.

Using your knowledge of fungi, which of the following might prevent the mold from growing?

a. Buy a different type of orange.

b. Keep the oranges in the refrigerator.

c. Put the oranges in a warm place.

d. Put the oranges in a damp place.

Correct Answer: b

E	6^th Grade	Standard: 05
Objective: 03. Identify positive and negative effects of microorganisms and how science has developed positive uses for some microorganisms and overcome the negative effects of others.
ILO:

Each autumn millions of leaves fall from trees. Over a ton may fall in just a small forest. Other plants and animals may die in that same area. This cycle repeats itself, year after year.

1. Without bacteria to act as decomposers, what would the effect of this cycle be in our lives?

2. What else do bacteria do as helpful decomposers?

Correct Answers:

Give 1 point for each correct idea up to 3 per question.

Question #1

1. New life growth would eventually cease on the forest floor.

2. The area would become polluted.

3. People would not be able to use the forest as they do now.

4. The animalsÕ homes would be affected.

Question #2

1. Some kinds of bacteria break down dead leaves and plants.

2. They can also decompose dead animals.

3. They make nutrients for the soil as they decompose.

4. They can even breakdown garbage left behind.

E	6^th Grade	Standard: 05
Objective: 03. Identify positive and negative effects of microorganisms and how science has developed positive uses for some microorganisms and overcome the negative effects of others.
ILO:

After growing yeast in a bottle with warm water and sugar have the students answer the following questions.

Each group in the class made a batch of bread dough using yeast. They carefully followed the recipe and put the dough in a pan.

1. What do you predict will happen to the dough? Why?

2. One pan did not change. Make an inference about what might have happened.

Correct Answers and Scoring Guide:

1. The dough will rise as the yeast releases gases. 5 points

2. Accept any of the following: 5 points

The water was too hot and killed the yeast.

The group left out the sugar, which acts as food for the yeast.

The group forgot to add the yeast.

Total points earned _____

E	6^th Grade	Standard: 05
Objective: 03. Identify positive and negative effects of microorganisms and how science has developed positive uses for some microorganisms and overcome the negative effects of others.
ILO:

We have been studying how some microorganisms have ÒharmfulÓ effects upon food. Assume you are a lawyer for these alleged ÒbadÓ organisms. Present a persuasive essay to convince a jury that these microbes are falsely accursed of being harmful. Choose a microorganism, collect your evidence from the list and come prepared to class to present your case.

Scoring Guide:

	4	3	2	1
Evidence	Evidence is logically presented, convincing, with 3 or 4 points covered.	Evidence is logically presented, convincing, with 2 or 3 points covered.	Evidence is logically presented, convincing, with 1 or 2 points covered.	Evidence is logically presented, convincing, with 1 point covered.
Mechanics of persuasive essay	Introduction, 3pr more pts with evidence supported, summary paragraph with conclusion.	Introduction, 2 or 3 pts. with supported evidence, summary paragraph with conclusion.	Introduction, 1 or 2 pts. Supported with summary paragraph and conclusion.	Introduction, 1 pt supported with summary paragraph and conclusion.
Spelling and Grammar	One error in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.	Two or three errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.	Four errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.	More than four errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

E	6^th Grade	Standard: 05
Objective: 03. Identify positive and negative effects of microorganisms and how science has developed positive uses for some microorganisms and overcome the negative effects of others.
ILO:

List and explain at least five examples of how your knowledge of microorganisms helps you understand the world around you. Two examples must include technology.

Possible Answer:

Microorganisms are everywhere and since some are harmful to me, I wash my hands before meals and after using the bathroom.

I brush my teeth frequently because I know that waste materials from bacteria in my mouth cause plaque and lead to tooth decay and loss.

I know many of the foods I eat are produced with microorganisms ∆ yogurt, cheese, soy sauce, etc.

Many microorganisms help me digest my food.

I know that antibiotics can cure many of the diseases I might get. A famous antibiotic, penicillin, is produced naturally by another microorganism, a mold.

Science has developed the technology of disinfectants to help control some of the harmful organisms in my life.

Microorganisms decompose the leaves that fall in autumn and the grass clippings from mowing to help fertilize my yard.

I cover my mouth when I sneeze because I know that microorganisms, many of them harmful, can be transmitted through the air.

I open and close the bread container quickly and store it in the refrigerator because I know bread mold spores are in the air and cold temperatures decrease mold growth.

I know that scientist have developed vaccine technology to prevent numerous diseases in humans.

I know that warm temperatures increase the growth of bacteria so I know not to leave the milk out on the counter for long.