Antibiotics, such as penicillin, can cure many serious diseases that are caused by bacteria. However, they are ineffective against diseases that are caused by viruses, such as the common cold, measles, and the flu. Antibiotics can be dangerous if they are taken too often and for the wrong reasons.
Write a one-minute public health announcement to be broadcast over your local radio station about the dangers of overusing antibiotics. You will conduct research to learn more about these dangers. Here are some questions to guide your research:
What is an antibiotic?
How does an antibiotic work?
What are the differences between a virus and a bacterium?
Why is it important to limit the use of antibiotics?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above, and write down what you learn in the note-taking boxes.
With teacher supervision, you may use search engines to research other Web sites. You also can research the dangers of overusing antibiotics at the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your announcement.
Step 2. Research
Research answers to 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 how to tell whether a Web site is reliable.
