Summer SAVY, Session 6 Day 1, Science Communication and Immunology (7th – 8th)
This week, we are diving into the fascinating world of the human immune system while also bringing in multidisciplinary skills such as experimental design, communicating science to a variety of audiences, and understanding how public health measures can improve human disease.
This morning, we began our session by meeting six major players of the human immune system. Your children will be coming home with some new vocabulary! You might hear them talk about leukocytes (white blood cells of the immune system), macrophages (immune cells that eat and digest pathogens), or killer T cells (cells that are trained to recognize a specific virus or bacteria and kill infected cells).
We also discussed healthy habits that will keep our immune systems in tip-top shape. We’re all trying to accomplish these habits daily throughout our week and keeping a chart for the class for accountability. Ask your student about these habits so you can incorporate them as a family!
In the afternoon, we transitioned to a discussion of how scientists present data and ask questions. We evaluated some infographics and discussed aspects like the use of colors and shapes, what the author’s point of view might be, and whether the take-home message was clear. We then practiced writing our own scientific questions and hypotheses. This will be important, and we will revisit these skills throughout the week as the students prepare to complete their own microbiology experiments on Thursday.
I have sent the students home with worksheets that accompany three additional videos if they want to learn more about the immune system. The links to these videos are provided below for your convenience. Additionally, some questions you might ask for further discussion include:
- Should you always treat a fever? Why or why not?
- Why might it be important for an immune-compromised individual to stay up to date with their health habits?
- What do you think happens if a baby is born with a genetic disease that keeps the T cells and B cells from developing properly?
- What are some things you’d include on an infographic about the coolest immune cell we learned about today?
- Link to additional videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIJK3dwCWCw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DFN4IBZ3rI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd2cf5hValM
I’m excited for this week with the students!