Anti-venom
Focus Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
What is venom?
Why are some animals venomous?
When was anti-venom first introduced in Australia?
Anti-venom works a bit like a _________soaking up poisonous stuff in a
person’s body.
5. How is the venom from funnel-web spiders collected?
6. Complete the following sentence: To make anti-venom, small amounts of
venom are injected in animals like…
7. What does the immune system produce to help make the anti-venom?
8. What unusual request did a wildlife park make recently?
9. What should children remember when it comes to venomous animals?
10. What was surprising about this story?
Anti venom
Watch the BtN Anti- venom story again and ask students to circle the key words as
they hear them. Students then clarify their understanding of the key words by
writing down what they think the word means. Swap definitions with a partner
and ask them to add to or change the definition. Check them using a dictionary or
other source.
Key word
My definition
Dictionary definition
Venom
Venomous
Toxins
Poisonous
chemicals
Anti-venom
Milking
Antibodies
Immune
system
Students can choose one or more of the following activities:
Write a short explanation about why some animals produce and use venom.
What are the different body parts used to deliver venom?
EPISODE 26
TH
11 SEPTEMBER 2012
Learning Area
Science
Key learning
Students will investigate
why some animal produce
venom, how venom affects
our bodies and first aid
treatment for venomous
bites and stings.
Create a profile of a venomous animal.
Include information about:
Name of animal
Type of animal (eg reptile)
Physical description
Habitat
How venomous is the animal?
How does it deliver the venom?
How does venom affect our bodies? Different parts of the body react to
different types of venom. For example, the venom from a funnel-web spider
affects the nervous system. Find out how venom affects different body
systems: Nervous, muscular, circulatory, respiratory and the skin.
How do you treat venomous bites and stings? Choose an animal and find out
what the symptoms are if a person is bitten or stung, what first aid and
medical treatment is needed. Students can demonstrate the information by
creating a graphic, role play or power point presentation.
 Related Research Links
ABC News – Venom shortage sparks call to hunt funnel-webs
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-02/anti-venom-shortage-sparks-call-tocatch-deadly-spider/4239024
The Venom Patrol - Interactive
http://venompatrol.info/index.html
Australian Venom Research Unit – About venom
http://www.avru.org/general/general_main.html
Australian Reptile Park – Venom production
http://www.reptilepark.com.au/about-us/research-venom/venom-production/
Australian Museum – Funnel-web Spiders
http://australianmuseum.net.au/Funnel-web-Spiders-group/
Australian Museum – Spider bites and venom
http://australianmuseum.net.au/Spider-bites-and-venoms/