Tag, Youíre Sick

Purpose: To understand how the immune system fights germs

Teacher Prep.

Label three pieces of red construction paper by writing “virus” on one piece, “bacteria” on the second, and “germ” on the last. Label three pieces of white construction paper using “white blood cells,” “antibiotics,” and “skin/villi.” To make the papers more sturdy, laminate each.

Materials

• 3 pieces of red constructions paper (9 x 12)
• 3 pieces of white construction paper (9 x 12)
• marker
• large open area
• computer with Internet access (optional)

Procedure

1. Discuss in your group or as a class what you felt like the last time you were sick. How long did it take you to feel better? How did you get better?
2. Discuss the immune system and conduct research by using books and other resources available
3. If you have a computer with Internet access, visit the web site http://www.brainpop.com/health/immune/immune/index.weml to view a short 1-2 minute video about the immune system.
4. Discuss how germs, viruses, and bacteria enter the body, and how the body protects against each.
5. Go to a large open area with designated boundaries.
6. Play a game of tag to learn more about the immune system by following these rules:

• Germs can be blocked by the skin and villi.
• Viruses are attacked by white blood cells
• Bacteria are attacked by antibiotics.

7. The teacher will choose three students to be the red cards (germs, viruses, and bacteria) and three students to be the white cards (white blood cells, antibiotics, and skin/villi). The other students will scatter around the playing area.
8. When the signal is given, students carrying the red cards will seek and tag the wandering students. When a student is tagged, he/she will have to follow the rules above and call for help from the appropriate white card.
9. When the correct white card tags the student, he/she may return to walking around.
10. Switch roles so that every person has the opportunity to be a red card, a white card and a wanderer.
11. After playing the game, discuss how the immune systems helps to keep you healthy.