SCIENCE 8
NAME: ___________________________
BLOCK: ____ DATE: _________________
Introduction to Microbes
Goals: -to define microbe
- to describe some of the ways microbes are helpful and harmful
- to describe different types of microbes
Key Words: micro-organism, microbe, producers, decomposers, pathogen
What are micro-organisms (microbes)?

Organisms smaller than _______

Can only be seen with a
____________________________

Live _________________________

Examples include:
Microbes are important to the environment!

Some are producers: they perform photosynthesis, taking in ___________ and releasing __________
and are the first link in the food chain for many organisms
o Example: phytoplankton, microbes with chloroplast that live in the ocean, produce about 50%
of the oxygen in the atmosphere

Some are decomposers: they ___________________________________________________________
in the environment and return nutrients to the soil
o Example: bacteria and fungus break down dead animals and waste
Microbes can be helpful or harmful to humans

Many micro-organisms help us digest, protect ourselves, and even create
vitamins!
o Examples:
 you have over 400 kinds of bacteria living in your intestines that help
keep you healthy and are part of your digestive system
 Some bacteria help you absorb vitamin K which helps your blood clot!

Some microbes hurt us (and other living things) by causing food to spoil, making
us sick or causing life-threatening illnesses
o Microbes that make us sick are called __________________________.
o Some microbes can release poisonous chemicals, known as ______________________,
that can harm us.
o Example (many more to come):
 E. Coli is a bacteria that causes severe food poisoning, malaria is caused by a protozoa carried
by mosquitos (protist)
Investigation into Microbes
http://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/interactives/science/microorganisms/micro-organisms/
(take notes and include examples)
Bacteria
Viruses
Fungi
Algae (protists)
Protozoa (protists)
Find a micro-organism in the “Interactive House”
-
Choose a location and then find a helpful and harmful micro-organism (read the information and fill in the
chart)
Harmful Microbe
Helpful Microbe
Location:
Location:
Organism name:
Organism name:
Type:
Type:
What does it do?
What does it do?
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