Prepare for lesson:
- Review Antibody Attack activity facilitator guide
- Supplies per small group (2-3 people):
- One copy of Antigen & Antibody Handouts
- Scissors
- 5 sheets of different colored cardstock or construction paper
- 2 sheets of white card stock or construction paper
- Pencils or markers
- Plastic garbage bag
- Optional: masking tape
During the lesson:
- Introduce vocabulary words: antigen, antibody, pathogen, phagocytes and immune system.
- Divide youth into groups of 2-3 youth and distribute supplies
- Have youth cut out the 5 antigens and trace the cutouts on the 5 pieces of colored paper. They should have 2 copies of the same antigen per each color for a total of 10 antigens.
- Have youth cut out the antibodies and trace it on the white cardstock paper. They should have 2 copies of the same antibody.
- In their groups, youth will put all the antigens and antibodies on a flat surface (floor or table) and organize the pieces in groups of antigen only and antibody only
- Youth will try to match the antibodies with the antigens.
- Questions to ask:
- Are the matches always perfect?
- Can an antibody connect to more than one antigen?
- Can an antibody connect to more than one type of antigen?
- What happens as a result of the antigens connecting to the antibodies?
- Have them attach as many antibodies to antigens as they can. Ask them what they notice?