The prefix micro- means "small." Microorganisms are living things that are too tiny to see with your own eye. To see a microorganism, you need a microscope. How can something so tiny help solve big problems such as pollution?
Write a report that classifies microorganisms and tells how they are alike and different. Here are some questions to guide your research:
What causes pollution?
How do microorganisms help clean up pollution?
In what other ways can microorganisms be helpful?
Are all microorganisms helpful?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites listed in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above. Write down what you learn in the boxes.
With teacher supervision, you may use search engines to find other Web sites. You also can research microorganisms at the library. When you are ready, follow steps 3 and 4 to write your report.
Step 2. Research
Research answers for the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!
Toolbox Tip: Click here to learn whether a Web site is trustworthy.
