Name_________________________Period______Date___________________________
VIRUS WEBQUEST
Introduction: Viruses are both fascinating and a bit scary. This web study will give you a brief introduction to viruses in general and a particular virus that has been in the news throughout the spring and summer months. Explore, learn, enjoy!
Virus that infects cauliflower plant.
1.) Go to http://library.thinkquest.org/13373/work/what.htm
Select index.
2.) Answer these questions.
a.) Who is credited with discovering the virus?
b.) Is a virus a living thing? Why or why not?
c.) Viruses are incredibly small. Why are we not able to see viruses with the compound light microscopes we use in the science lab?
d.) What shapes do viruses assume?
e.) Locate a photograph of a virus. Draw the virus in the space below.
f.) How does a virus invade a host cell?
The West Nile virus has been in the news. In order to understand the transmission of this disease, it is useful to study the mosquito. Go to http://www.lanakids.com/mosquito.html
The male House Mosquito feeds on nectar and other plant juices. It is the female that sucks blood from birds, reptiles, people, and other mammals. She needs the protein in the blood for her eggs.
3.) Answer these questions.
a.) Another name for mosquitoes is _________________.
b.) Do male mosquitoes ever bite people?
c.) How do mosquitoes find you?
d.) List four ways to prevent being bitten by a mosquito.
4.) Go to http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
Answer these questions.
a.) Human illness from the West Nile virus is rare. Most people infected by the West Nile virus have no ______________.
b.) List three ways you can protect yourself from the West Nile virus.
c.) West Nile virus is spread by the bite of a __________________________.
d.) Is there evidence that West Nile virus can be spread from one person to another?
e.) Last question – Why do zookeepers at the Bird House need to be concerned about the West Nile virus?