Prepare for lesson:

• Review Build A Bacteria activity guide
• Print out Build A Bacteria Worksheets for small groups (2-3 youth)
• Print out Build A Bacteria Gene Cards for small groups (print based on number of groups) and cut into strips following the directions on the sheet
• Supplies per small group:
  • Glue or tape
  • Pencils
  • Colored pencils (green, blue, red, purple, yellow)
  • Colored paper or card
  • Scissors
  • String or colored yarn

During the lesson:

• Ask youth what they know about bacteria.
• If not shared, mention that there is good and bad bacteria, bacteria that makes you sick and ones that are needed to stay healthy.
• Ask youth where bacteria can be found.
• Mention that bacteria is categorized by shape and we’ll be building a few of them today!
  • Cocci: round-shaped
  • Bacilli: rod-shaped
  • Vibrio: gently-curved
  • Spirilla: spiral-shaped
  • Flagella: tail-like structures
• Distribute the Build A Bacteria worksheet to each small group
• Have groups randomly select a gene card for each section (color) of their worksheet, following the directions for that card.
  • Choose 1 blue card
  • Choose 1 purple card
  • Choose 1 orange card
  • Choose 1 green card
  • Choose 2 pink cards
• After they build their bacteria, have youth share out. 
  • What type of bacteria do they have? Is it helpful or harmful?