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Fighting infection, the immune system – unit plan

Our bodies have a defence system against pathogens that make us sick. This defence system is made up of cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect us. It is known as the immune system. This unit is designed to help teachers improve students’ ideas about the immune system and how it works to fight infection.

Sick child lying on blue sofa, with blanket holding tissues.

Sick child

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We all get sick from time to time and don’t feel too good. At this time, our bodies are busy working to make us well.

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Overarching learning outcomes of this teacher resource integrate:

  • understanding that the immune system works to fight infection in our bodies (scientific knowledge)

  • investigation into the immune system and how it functions to fight specific diseases (scientific practice)

  • understanding that scientific knowledge can be used to help people (nature of science).

Students will meet these learning outcomes by:

  • identifying and classifying microorganisms

  • identifying some specific cells and parts of the immune system

  • investigating how the immune system responds to specific pathogens

  • playing a card game to explore how different viruses affect the body

  • modelling immune response through drama

  • debating an ethical dilemma.

Download the unit plan (see link below).

Fighting infection, the immune system – unit plan

WORD•828.91 KB

Related content

Explore some of the related important science ideas and concepts behind learning about our immune system with these articles:

  • Microorganisms – friend or foe?

  • The body’s first line of defence

  • The body’s second line of defence

Activity ideas

These related activities below cover some of the big ideas in science:

  • Introduction to cells

  • The wars within

  • Fighting infection card game

  • Drama with microbes

  • Ethical dilemmas in fighting infection

Glossary

Published: 2 September 2011
Referencing Hub articles

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