Farm Detectives: Microorganisms & Disease
Get hands-on with microorganisms and stop the spread of dangerous bacteria that are making our farm animals sick.
Learning Level: S1 to S2
Location: Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre, University of Edinburgh Easter Bush Campus, EH25 9RG
Minimum attendance: 16*
Maximum attendance: 24
Duration: 4.5 hours
Timings: 10am - 2.30pm
Cost: £3 per pupil
Availability: Our secondary programme will be released Autumn 2023, to remain updated about our workshops, events and exciting opportunities please sign up to our mailing list and/or follow us on Twitter @EBSOClab. In the meantime, why not check out our classroom resources that are free to download!
* If your numbers are below 16, please let us know and we will do our best to twin you with another group.
Workshop Description
Get hands-on with microorganisms and stop the spread of dangerous bacteria that are making our farm animals sick. You will learn what microorganisms are, how some of them can make us ill and what we can do to stop the spread of disease. This workshop includes a free science kit that will be sent to your school, along with instructions and full lesson plan, for you to carry out a "Swab my School" investigation with your class.
The pupils thoroughly enjoyed themselves and really enjoyed working with you all today.
Learning objectives
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To understand that microorganisms:
- are very small living things
- can be beneficial or harmful
- exist as many different types
- To describe how infectious and disease causing microorganisms can spread
- To explain how the spread of infection and disease causing microorganisms can be stopped and/or prevented
- To describe the effect of mutations on bacterial growth rate
- To critically analyse the results of their own microbiological investigation
- To reveal the world of work in scientific research
Workshop activities
- Pre-workshop experimental materials sent to each school so that the pupils carry out their own microbiological investigation
- Using microscopes to examine and identify different microorganisms
- Hands-on disease spread activity
- Critical thinking group activity to identify the source of a salmonella outbreak
- Bacterial evolution game
- Discussion with scientists from The Roslin Institute
- Optional - Behind-the-scenes tour of one of our farms (dependent on availability)
Curriculum links
Planet Earth |
Biological systems |
Topical science |
| I can sample and identify living things from different habitats to compare their biodiversity and can suggest reasons for their distribution. SCN 3-01A |
Using a microscope, I have developed my understanding of the structure and variety of cells and of their functions. SCN 3-13a I have contributed to investigations into different types of microorgansims and can explain how their growth can be controlled. SCN 3-13b |
I can collaborate with others to find and present information on how scientists from Scotland and beyond have contributed to innovative research and development. SCN 3-2 |
Developing the Young Workforce – “I can” statements
The following "I can" statements are supported through EBSOC’s workshops:
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I can demonstrate and apply the skills I have learnt across the curriculum in relation to the world of work.
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I can demonstrate diverse thinking when exploring learning opportunities and pathways.
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I can investigate and assess ethical issues in business and trade decisions.
Availability
Thank you for your interest in this workshop, this academic year we will not be offering this workshop as part of our learning programme. Why not check out classroom resources that are free to download!
Important Notes
* Please contact us ebsoc@ed.ac.uk if your group falls below the minimum as we may be able to accommodate your request
through our small groups waiting list.
Downloadable Resources
Risk Assessment |
Workshop Description |
Testimonials
We got to do lots more than we do at school and we worked with proper scientific equipment and we used proper scientific terms during the workshop.
A whole day of science!