Micro-organisms, more commonly known as ‘germs’, ‘bugs’ or ‘microbes’, are tiny living things too small to be seen with the naked eye. They are found almost everywhere on Earth. It is important to clarify that microbes are not innately ‘useful’ or ‘harmful’.

Although extremely small, microbes come in many different shapes and sizes. The three groups of microbes covered in this resource are viruses, bacteria and fungi.

This lesson plan will encourage students to consider the different types of microbes, become familiar with some of the most well known microbes, and design their own.