Instructional Video

What are Pathogens?

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Feeling a little under the weather? A pathogen could be to blame. A video from a larger pathogens playlist presents a brief overview of the bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists that put us in peril. From cholera to dysentery, it explains each type using clear terminology and amusing illustrations.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Add the video to a human illness lesson plan for a quick introduction to the four basic categories of pathogens
  • Keep the pathogen party going by showing the next video in the playlist, which details how pathogens are spread
Classroom Considerations
  • Provide a quick discussion of the differences between bacteria and viruses before viewing the resource
  • This video is hosted on YouTube
Pros
  • The resource illustrates the size and appearance of a variety of pathogens
  • Shows each type of pathogen with examples that cause human illness and how the illness affects those that contract it
Cons
  • Misidentifies viruses as organisms 
Common Core