Vocabulary: disease, epidemic, infect, infectious disease, pathogen

Prior Knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo.) [Note: The purpose of these questions is to activate prior knowledge and get students thinking. Students are not expected to know the answers to the Prior Knowledge Questions.]

1. Why do you think it is important to cover your mouth when you cough?

Answers will vary. [Coughing releases thousands of tiny droplets that can be inhaled by other people. The droplets may also land on surfaces that other people may touch. If the droplets contain pathogens, the pathogens can easily be transferred to a new host.]

2. Why should you always wash your hands before you eat?

Answers will vary. [Every time you touch a surface, bacteria and other microorganisms will likely be transferred to your hands. Some of these microorganisms may be pathogenic. If a pathogen is transferred from your hand to your mouth, you could become ill.]

Gizmo Warm-up When a person has a disease, his or her normal body functions are disrupted. Some diseases, such as diabetes and most cancers, are not spread from one person to another. But other diseases, such as the flu and strep throat, can be spread. These diseases are known as infectious diseases. Infectious diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria, and other agents known as pathogens.

In the Disease Spread Gizmo™™, you will be able to observe how various pathogens can spread through a group of people. Click Play () and observe.

1. Describe what happened on the SIMULATION pane:

Sample answer. People begin moving around the room. After a person visits the buffet table, he is likely to turn green. Over time, the number of green people increase.