1. KS2
Microbes & Superbugs

2. KS2
What we need to learn
To understand what microbes are, what they look like
To understand how microbes spread and the effect they have on the body
To understand the importance of good hygiene
To know the 5 steps to clean hands.

3. KS2
What we will know
I can name types of microbes and what their features
I know some of the illnesses microbes can cause
I can explain what is unhygienic behaviour and how infection is spread
I know the 5 steps to use when I clean
my hands.

4. KS2
What is a Microbe?
Microbes are tiny living organisms, so tiny you can’t see them without a microscope
There are 5 main types of microbes:
Bacteria
Viruses
Fungi
Algae
Protozoa

5. KS2
Did you know?
Microbes are the oldest form of life on Earth.  They've been here for 3.8 billion years!
Microbes produce more than half of all the oxygen we breathe!
Microbes are the ultimate survivors: they are found just about everywhere on Earth!
A litre of coastal seawater can contain a billion or more microbes!
Did you know that a teaspoon of soil contains 1
million bacteria, 120,000 fungi and 25,000 algae.

6. Bacteria A bacterium (that’s one bacteria)
KS2
Bacteria
A bacterium (that’s one bacteria)
is a simple creature made of
just one cell
Bacteria are no more than one thousandth of a millimetre long – that’s tiny!
Many bacteria have a long spinning tail
that helps them move around.

7. Viruses Viruses are the smallest of all microbes
KS2
Viruses
Viruses are the smallest of all
microbes
Viruses are even smaller than
bacteria and need to live inside
cells to reproduce and spread infection
Viruses like to live inside living things
like plants, animals and people.

8. Fungi There are many types of fungi including moulds, rusts, yeasts
KS2
Fungi
There are many types of fungi
including moulds, rusts, yeasts
and even mushrooms
Fungi can live in water, in soil or
on a damp surface
Fungi can live for hundreds of years.

9. Algae Algae are small green creatures made of a single cell
KS2
Algae
Algae are small green
creatures made of a single cell
They live in fresh or salt water or
damp soil
Algae behave like plants because they
make their own food and are food for animals.

10. Protozoa Protozoa are single celled microbes that are similar to
KS2
Protozoa
Protozoa are single celled
microbes that are similar to
animals
They live in water or moist soil, and even humans
They feed on bacteria, algae
and small animals.

11. Helpful Microbes KS2 Bacteria: Helps your body digest food
Breaks down dead plants and releases nutrients back to the soil
Fungi:
Yeast helps bread to rise
A green mould (called Penicillium) was used to make the first antibiotic medicine
Algae:
Releases oxygen when they make their own food
(like plants during photosynthesis)
Protozoa:
Breaks down sewage in water treatment plants.

12. Harmful Microbes Not all microbes are helpful, some can be
KS2
Harmful Microbes
Not all microbes are helpful, some can be
harmful by attacking the body and causing
illness and infection such as:
Tummy Upsets
Ear Infections
Sore Throats
Headaches
Runny noses
Coughs.

13. KS2
Infection Control
Q. How can you stop infection from harmful microbes from spreading?

14. Infection Control Catch sneezes and coughs in a tissue
KS2
Infection Control
Catch sneezes and coughs in a tissue
Keep objects off the floor
Clean your hands.

15. 5 Steps to Clean Hands KS2 Did you know that there are 5 steps to
cleaning your hands properly?
Wet
Soap
Wash
Rinse
Dry.

16. KS2
Healthy Hands
Q. What will you do differently now to stop microbes from spreading and help keep yourself healthy?
Splat that Superbug!