Home > Genomics > Lesson 5: Build A Bacteria Lesson 5: Build A Bacteria April 9, 2025 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? Previous: Lesson 4: Contamination Detectives Next: DNA & Diseases — Advanced Lessons Bundle