Microorganisms that help us (non-statutory)
I can explain how micro-organisms can be used to improve our health.
Microorganisms that help us (non-statutory)
I can explain how micro-organisms can be used to improve our health.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Antibiotics are medicines that fight infections caused by micro-organisms called bacteria.
- Penicillin belongs to a group of medical drugs called antibiotics.
- Penicillin is made from a type of mould.
- In 1928, Scottish doctor, Alexander Fleming, discovered the effects of penicillin.
- The discovery of penicillin was one of the greatest scientific achievements of the 1900s.
Keywords
Antibiotics - Antibiotics are a type of medicine that can kill bacteria.
Bacteria - Bacteria are a type of micro-organism that can be found in all natural environments.
Alexander Fleming - Dr Alexander Fleming was a Scottish scientist who discovered the first antibiotic, penicillin.
Penicillin - Penicillin is a type of antibiotic made from a fungus.
Mould - Mould is a type of fungi which grows and forms a fuzzy coating on organic matter.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that all moulds and fungi are harmful and no useful products can be extracted from them.
Explain that, while many moulds and fungi can be harmful to humans and other animals, many have uses in medicine such as penicillin, once they have been properly processed by scientists.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
