Experiments to Try out for Science Week 2013

e-Bug is a European DG SANCO-sponsored project which has produced antibiotic and hygiene education packs for schools across Europe, involving 18 partner countries, including Ireland.

On the website www.e-bug.eu teachers can find resources and interactive games suitable for primary (age 9-11) and post-primary students (age 13-15).

In Ireland, e-Bug is managed by the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre and the website has material available in English as well as gaelige (http://bit.ly/17PngBI). The classroom activities are designed to use common household materials that would be readily available in all schools.

A primary pack is available for download on the website and features cartoon microbe characters such as penicillium; lactobacillus; dermatophyte; staphylococcus and influenza.

Experiments to try out for Science Week 2013:

Antibiotics http://www.e-bug.eu/senior_pack.aspx?cc=eng&ss=3&t=Senior%20Schools-Antibiotic%20Use%20and %20Medicine

In the primary resources information sheet (which you can download here):  Students are introduced to micro-organisms and learn about the different types, shapes and sizes of microbes – bacteria, virus and fungi, and where microbes are found.  Students learn about good microbes that can be beneficial through a yeast or yogurt making experiment, and investigate bad microbes that can cause disease.  Students learn about the body’s natural defences as it fights harmful microbes on a daily basis, as well as all about vaccinations, the treatment of infection and the importance of using antibiotics and other medicines appropriately.  Teachers can find classroom experiments on hand-hygiene teaching students about how to manage the spread of infections as well as others investigating respiratory hygiene and food hygiene