Lesson 1: Antibody Attack

Prepare for lesson:

1. Review Antibody Attack activity facilitator guide
2. Supplies per small group (2-3 people):
   1. One copy of Antigen & Antibody Handouts 
   2. Scissors
   3. 5 sheets of different colored cardstock or construction paper
   4. 2 sheets of white card stock or construction paper
   5. Pencils or markers
   6. Plastic garbage bag
   7. Optional: masking tape

During the lesson:

1. Introduce vocabulary words: antigen, antibody, pathogen, phagocytes and immune system.
2. Divide youth into groups of 2-3 youth and distribute supplies
3. 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.
4. Have youth cut out the antibodies and trace it on the white cardstock paper. They should have 2 copies of the same antibody.
5. 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
6. Youth will try to match the antibodies with the antigens.
7. Questions to ask:
   1. Are the matches always perfect?
   2. Can an antibody connect to more than one antigen?
   3. Can an antibody connect to more than one type of antigen?
   4. What happens as a result of the antigens connecting to the antibodies?
   5. Have them attach as many antibodies to antigens as they can. Ask them what they notice?