Remember, as a member of the Science Bus Club you can ‘Ask Albert’ a question about any of the topics. So if you’re not already a member join today!!
Some Useful Words For You To Remember
Germ – an example of a micro organism, usually producing disease
Microbe – a minute life form
Virus – a harmful parasite, not usually considered to be a living organism
This is a picture of a virus!!
You will need a microscope to see any of the above!!
Germs
Germs are passed to people through coughing, sneezing and touch. Germs are what we call micro organisms!!
Why Do We Get Ill?
Try to find out:
Why we get stomach upsets?
Why we get spots?
What is Rubella?
What causes tooth decay?
Why Do Foods Rot?
We already know that there is a world of tiny living things called microbes that live all around us. They are almost everywhere and on almost everything you can think of. They're in the air, the water, the soil, your food, your clothes, on your hands, even on your desk and pencil!
Certain microbes cause disease, but they make up a very small part of the whole microbe population. Most are harmless, in fact, about one in every thirty thousand are likely to cause disease. Two of our most common drugs, penicillin and streptomycin are from the activity of certain microbes. The word microbe comes from two Greek words Mikros meaning small and Bios meaning life.
If we leave food out for a period of time it
rots, in other words mold begins to grow on it!!
Yuk!!!
Molds can grow in both hot and cold places but they grow best in warm places. The colder it is the slower they grow. This is why foods get moldy more in the summer than in the winter. Molds also like damp places such as a damp towel left at the bottom of your school bag!!! Molds also grow well on damp wood or soggy paper.
Why do you think we put food into a refrigerator?
The answer - to keep the food from spoiling we must put it where molds don't like to grow, in the coldness of a refrigerator. To keep foods fresh for a longer period of time we put them in the freezer, where molds do not like to live.
A Cool Link
Click on the link button below to find out lots more.
Have fun!!!
Remember, as a member of the Science Bus Club you can ‘Ask Albert’ a question about any of the topics. So if you’re not already a member join today!!
