This web quest takes students on a fascinating journey to discover how mRNA Vaccines are made in months instead of years, and how they stimulate an immune system response to protect against sickness and infection.
This product includes a PDF version and a digital Google Slide Version that can be assigned individually, as a small or whole group activity or as an emergency substitute activity.
This web quest bundle makes a great activity to introduce the topics of viruses, how vaccines are made, and the body’s immune response. It also is perfect for an emergency sub lesson! I’ve included a variety of engaging video and website resources from: Ask a Biologist, Cells Alive, Amoeba Sisters, CDC, Live Science, and more. – Answer Keys Included!
Mystery Virus: Epidemic Epidemiology Case Study Simulation
How Vaccines are Made (Including COVID-19 vaccines)
Distance Learning: This activity can be assigned to students via Google Classroom or other digital learning platform, a PDF file can be emailed to student, or a hard copy can be printed and given to students.
Topics covered in this bundle
What is a virus?
Parts of a typical virus: capsid, RNA/DNA, receptors
Structure of covid-19 Virus
How is covid-19 transmitted?
Prevention of covid-19 infection and treatment
How big is a virus?
Types of Viruses: rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza, RSV, HIPVs, adenoviruses,
Diseases caused by viruses: cold, flu, covid-19, bronchitis, pneumonia, MERS,SARS
3 Components of Modern Cell Theory
Bacteriophages
Structure of a Bacteriophage: capsid, collar, sheath, base plate, tail fiber
Lytic Virus Life Cycle
Lysogenic Virus Life Cycle
Immune Systems Response to Infection: leukocytes, Helper T Cells
Symptoms and Treatment for Virus Infections
What is the difference between Epidemic and Pandemic?
How are vaccines made? (traditional & Platform Vaccine Technologies
Vaccine Rapid Response Platforms
Moderna Nucleic Acid Vaccine Platform
Antigen
Pathogen
Recombinant Protein
Messenger RNA
Growth Medium
Bioreactors
Fermenters
Viral Vaccines
Antibiotics
Chromatography
Ultrafiltration
Stabilizers
Preservatives
Adjuvant
Freeze-dried Vaccines
Rehydration of Vaccines
Genetic Sequencing of Viral DNA
Vaccine Rapid Response Platforms
Epidemiology Case Study Simulation – students take on the role of a Public Health Director and work with a virtual expert epidemiologist to identify the cause of a respiratory virus outbreak and recommend a course of action to prevent an epidemic.
