Download Germ theory of disease_Scheme of work

AS Science in Society 1.1
The germ theory of disease
This short historical topic allows students to learn about the work of some of the scientists who made important
contributions to the development of the new theory. The stories are used to illustrate how science works ideas
from:

establishing causal links,

developing and testing scientific explanations,

the scientific community.

These ideas will all be developed further in later topics.
The topic introduces students to some of the skills they will need throughout the course, such as effective
discussion in small groups, data analysis and reading and comprehension.
The references below to How Science Works (HSW) and to Science Explanations (SE) use the code letters found in sections
3.5 and 3.6 of the specification. Learning skills for Science (LSS) activities are integrated into all the AS topics.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Focus of session
Introduction – the problem of
infectious diseases in the
past and now
The development of the germ
theory of disease –
Semmelweiss,
Germ theory (SE Aa)
Causal links (HSW Bd)
Developing explanations
(HSW Cc)
LSS skill area 1
The development of the germ
theory of disease – Snow
Germ theory (SE Aa)
Causal links – epidemiology
(HSW Ba, Bd)
Developing explanations
(HSW Cc)
LSS skill area 1
Vaccination – Jenner and
Pasteur’s work on anthrax
(HSW Bd, Cd)
The immune system (SE Ac)
Suggested activities and resources
Introduction to germ theory power
point presentation and discussion
Koch’s work on TB
Germ theory (SE Aa)
Causal links (HSW Bd, Bj, )
Developing explanations
(HSW Cd)
Koch and tuberculosis activity
Pasteur and rabies
The scientific community
(HSW Ea, Eg)
Developing explanations
(HSW Cd)
LSS skill area 1
Review of the development
of germ theory
Developing explanations
(HSW Cc, Cd, Ce)
The scientific community
(HSW Ea, Eg)
Reading and discussion of questions
from textbook
p. 14
Reading about Semmelweiss and
discussion of questions in textbook p.
24
Reading about Snow from textbook
and discussion of questions p. 4 - 6
further discussion and data analysis
in John Snow and epidemiology
Learning skills for Science activities
Skill area 1 LSS: Believe it or not:
classifying statements encourages critical
use of language and discusses the
‘certainty’ of statements. This could be
used as an ice-breaker.
Skill area 1 LSS: Information revolution –
students locate sources, use the British
library website and learn Boolean search
techniques.
Reading and discussion of questions
from textbook
p. 6- 13
or enacting the drama from
http://www.sycd.co.uk/who_am_i/pdf/
everywhere/drama/vaccines.pdf
This activity could also be used for
homework, review or revision
Development of the germ theory of
disease a review of the main
developments
A summary of the wider social issues
involved in scientific advance on
http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/lesson
s/medicine/pasteurkoch.html
Skill area 1 LSS: Using the internet to find
information – students find information
and evaluate web sites.
7
Review session
March 2011
Review questions from book
Homework - Students to collect
newspaper articles on any aspect of
infectious disease to bring to the next
lesson infectious diseases in the
news in 1.2