The+Good,+The+Bad,+and+the+Ugly



Bacteria are EVERYWHERE! As a group they may be the most successful organisms on the planet, and they are definitely some of the oldest. Fossil evidence of prokaryotic life dates back almost 3.5 Billion years! Not only are bacteria some of the most successful organisms on the planet, they are also some of the most important. Some bacteria live symbiotically with plants, animals, and fungi - benefiting both organisms. Bacteria cause some of the deadliest and most horrific diseases on the planet, and humans in particular are engaged in a constant arms race with infectious bacteria in an attempt to slow the spread of disease. Still other bacteria are just plain weird, occupying environments that no other organism are able to.

Your task is to research three types of bacteria (a single species, or in some cases genus) - one good, one bad, and one ugly... according to your criteria. You have been assigned to a group of 3, and each member of the group is responsible for researching ONE bacterium, and assembling 1-2 slides (use Google Docs) for your "presentation" to the class.

Presentations will take the form of a Gallery Walk, in which all the slides will be posted around the room, and students will rotate from station to station in order to read up and learn about the bacterium you researched. At the end, we will vote on the Best, Worst, and Ugliest Bacteria picked by the class. Please print your slide(s) in color if possible, and try to pick a single "theme" (colors, fonts, appearance, etc.) for your group.

Your slide(s) should include the following:
 * A description of the bacterium: its habitat, its general characteristics and/or unique features, its scientific name, and any interesting facts that don't quite fit the other categories.
 * Pictures, illustrations, or visual aids - //**nothing too gross, please**// (check with Mr. Holloway if you are unsure)
 * Can include pictures of actual bacteria, its habitat, its positive or negative effects, pretty much anything as long as it is directly relevant... and not too gross.
 * //**If you are researching a "Good" bacterium...**//
 * A description of why this bacterium is beneficial, and who or what benefits from this bacterium either directly or indirectly
 * An explanation of when, how, and by whom this bacterium was discovered, engineered, first utilized, etc.
 * A description of HOW this bacteria does what ever it does that makes it "Good."
 * //**If you are researching a "Bad" bacterium...**//
 * A description of why this bacterium is harmful, and who or what is negatively affected by this bacterium
 * An explanation of when, how, and by whom this bacterium was discovered or engineered, and what (if anything) is being done to control or eradicate this bacterium.
 * A description of HOW this bacteria does what ever it does that makes it "Bad."
 * //**If you are researching an "Ugly" bacterium...**//
 * A description of whatever makes this bacterium so unusual that you decided to classify it as "ugly," and who or what is affected by this bacterium (if at all, effects can be positive or negative).
 * An explanation of when, how, and by whom this bacterium was discovered, engineered, first utilized, etc.
 * A description of HOW this bacteria does what ever it does that makes it "Ugly."

When you have finished researching your bacterium and assembling your slides, work with your group mates so they can help you to proof-read and edit your slide, then //**make certain to share your slides with Mr. Holloway**// (share with this address: holloway_samuel@svvsd.org).