Pathogens & the Immune System
CONCEPTUALExplain how pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) cause disease and describe how the immune system responds, including the roles of white blood cells (phagocytosis, antibody production) and the concept of immunity
Mastery Evidence
- Distinguishes between bacteria, viruses, and fungi as pathogens with examples of each
- Explains two ways white blood cells destroy pathogens (engulfing and antibodies)
- Explains how vaccination works and why it prevents disease
- Explains the difference between being infected and being ill
Assessment Prompt
“If [child] got a cold, could they explain what type of pathogen caused it, how the immune system tries to fight it off, and why a vaccine for flu won't protect you from all colds?”
Curriculum Standards2 alignments
KS3.Sci.Bio.Health.3The national curriculum in Englandthe relationship between health and disease, including the effects of pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses) and the role of the immune system in combating disease
KS3.Sci.Bio.Health.4The national curriculum in Englandthe relationship between health and disease: the importance of diet, exercise and lifestyle
Prerequisites2
- Cells to Organ SystemssoftAges 11—12
- Single-Celled OrganismshardAges 11—12
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- Cells to Organ Systems soft
The immune response involves specialised cells within organ systems (blood, lymph nodes)
- Plant Cells vs Animal Cells hard
The cell-to-organism hierarchy builds on understanding that different cell types exist
- Parts of Plant and Animal Cells hard
Comparing plant and animal cells requires knowing the components found in each
- Cells Under the Microscope hard
Understanding cell components requires first knowing that cells are the fundamental unit of life
- Single-Celled Organisms hard
Pathogens are microorganisms — understanding unicellular life forms provides the foundation for understanding how pathogens work
- Parts of Plant and Animal Cells soft
Explaining how a single cell carries out all life functions requires knowing organelle roles
- Cells Under the Microscope hard
Understanding cell components requires first knowing that cells are the fundamental unit of life
- Cells Under the Microscope hard
Understanding unicellular organisms requires the concept of cells as fundamental units
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