Resources by age group
By age group
All resources
The resources found on this page have been developed to help teach aspects of microbial genetics relevant to the GCSE and A-Level syllabus's.
Where possible, relevant parts of the syllabus for each resource as well as the age group have been referenced.
As many of the resources below are links to external pages, we suggest you open them in a new tab so as to not lose your place.
Microbial Genomics
Comparative Genomics: Prokaryotes Vs Eukaryotes
This site contains a video lesson explaining the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms with a particular focus on genetics. The site also have a quiz tab that helps students to reflect on the topics covered.
Resource: Comparative genomics
Age range: 16-18
Approach: interactive video lesson
Note: this site requires you to make an account to view content on a permanent basis.
OCR Biology- sequencing a genome
This resource is a link to the OCR biology YouTube channel. The first video outlines the basics of mapping a genome, but on this channel you can find a variety of videos describing sequencing technologies.
Resource: Sequencing a genome
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Video
DNA subway
DNA subway highlights the end goal of many sequencing and DNA analysis technologies whilst allowing students to directly engage with bioinformatics techniques.
Resource: DNA subway
Age range: 16-18
Approach: interactive tutorial
Horizontal DNA transfer
Conjugation animation
This is an on-the-rails animation demonstrating horizontal gene transfer by conjugation in bacteria.
Resource: Horizontal gene transfer
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Animation
Transduction video lesson
This site contains a video lesson explaining the mechanisms of gene transfer by transduction, key definitions and the advantages of this process. The site also have a quiz tab that helps students to reflect on the topics covered.
Resource: Transduction
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Online lesson
Transducing phage animation
This animation describes in detail the method by which phage horizontally transfer DNA.
Resource: transducing phage
Age range: 16 - 18
Approach: animation
DNA transformation
This is a download link to an 'on the rails' walkthrough of the process of DNA transformation in E. coli. The animation also covers recombinant DNA technology relevant to the topics covered on the 'Recombinant DNA and genetic techniques' page. This resource is taken from a pool of resources on the Cold Spring Harbour website.
Resource: Download for PC / Download for Mac
Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic misuse and resistance
A classroom activity highlighting the importance of proper antibiotic use, and how improper use can lead to the propagation of antibiotic resistant mutants
| Antibiotic misuse | Download 1 | Download 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher notes and activity | ||
| Student work sheet | Word |
Age range: 11- 14
Approach: Classroom activity
What causes antibiotic resistance?
A short film that highlights the mechanisms of action of antibiotics and the risk factors associated with antibiotic resistance. This is a simplified story and would be suited to supplement further learning.
Resource: What causes antibiotic resistance?
Age range: 11-14
Approach: Video clip
E-Bug: antibiotic resistance
A document comprising lesson plans, activities and animations covering antibiotic resistance for use with 15-18 year olds.
Resource: E-bug
The small world initiative
This hands on activity started by Yale university and supported by the microbiology society gets pupils to search for their own new antibiotics whilst also educating about the problems of antibiotic resistance.
Resource: small world initiative
Approach: hands on practical activity
Age range: 11-14 14-16 16-18
How do antibiotics work?
The first two pages of this site describe in detail the basics of antibiotic action, and then goes into detail on the action of specific drugs and the mechanisms of resistance to these drugs.
Resource: How do antibiotics work?
Approach: Content material
Age range: 16-18
Vaccination
BBC Bite Size- Vaccination
This page gives a comprehensive overview of the biology behind vaccination suitable for the GCSE syllabus. The page also includes an animation depicting how memory immunity is acquired.
Resource: Vaccination
Age range:15-16, 17-18
E-Bug- Vaccination
A 32 page booklet for teachers, giving a variety of classroom activities and pupil work sheets for teaching immunisation to key stages 4 and 5.
Resource: E-bug
Age range: 15-16, 17-18
Types of vaccine
This interactive animation shows the differences and design processes behind: live attenuated vaccines, inactivated vaccines and conjugate vaccines
Resource: Types of vaccine
Age range: 17-18
Approach: interactive animation
The work of Edward Jenner
This site highlights the work of Edward Jenner in developing the smallpox vaccine. There are several quizzes, and animations aimed at KS3, 4 and 5.
Resource: Dr Jenner's House
Age Range: 14-16, 16-18
Debating vaccination
This pack developed by the Wellcome trust allow teachers to engage students with debate about the need for seasonal and pandemic flu vaccines.
Resource: Debating vaccination
Age Range: 16-18
Infection
Infectious diseases
ABPI resources for school. This site defines key terms and outlines some of the key pathogens involved in causing infectious diseases. Within the site is a section explaining how pathogens cause disease.
Resource: ABPI
Age range: 14-16 16-18
Approach: content material
Contamination detectives
This is a classroom activity that demonstrates how easily microbes spread, and can even be adapted to teach aspects of infectious disease. You will need UV visible powder and a UV torch.
Resource: Contamination detectives
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: hands on classroom activity
Simulating phase variation in the bacteria that cause meningitis (Neisseria)
An online tutorial that simulates phase variation in the bacteria that cause meningitis. This resource is also a good way to explore the nature of mutation as well as some extracurricular material. Below are download links for use of this tutorial in the classroom including: an introduction to phase variation PowerPoint, student work sheet, information sheets and teacher answers.
| Simulating phase variation | Download 1 | Download 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to phase variation | ||
| The simulator | ||
| Introduction sheet | ||
| Question sheet | ||
| Answer sheet | ||
| Teacher notes | Word | |
| All | Zip file |
Resource: Take the tutorial online.
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Interactive tutorial
Simulating phase variation in the bacteria that cause food poisoning (Campylobacter)
An online tutorial that simulates phase variation in the bacteria that cause food poisoning. This resource is also a good way to explore the nature of mutation as well as some extracurricular material. Below are download links for use of this tutorial in the classroom including: an introduction to phase variation PowerPoint, student work sheet, information sheets and teacher answers.
| Simulating phase variation | Download 1 | Download 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to phase variation | ||
| The simulator | ||
| Introduction sheet | ||
| Question sheet | ||
| Answer sheet | ||
| Teacher notes | Word | |
|
All |
Resource: take the tutorial online
Age range: 16-18
Approach: Interactive tutorial
Microbiome simulator
This resource developed by the University of Utah allows students to visualise the behaviours of bacteria in response to changing parameters. Note: this resource requires you to install Unity Web Player.
Resource: Microbiome
Age range: 11-14, 15-16, 17-18
Drama with microbes
In this activity, students use drama to model science ideas about immune response to pathogenic microorganisms.
Resource: sciencelearn
Age range: 15-16
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence.
