Description
In this activity, students do a case study of giardiasis,
an infectious disease caused by the tiny parasite Giardia
lambila ("lambilia" means intestine). Giardiasis is
sometimes called a “swimming pool” disease because it is
frequently transmitted via water from a pool that has been
contaminated by feces from an infected swimmer. Students
will apply what they have learned about the "host" vertex
of the Epidemiologic Triangle as they learn about giardiasis.
Relevant Standards
This activity fulfills science
and health education standards.
Objectives
Students will:
- Define what it means to be the "host" of a disease
- Research giardiasis, an infectious disease caused by
a tiny parasite, Giardia lamblia
- Describe Giardia, particularly the symptoms it
causes in its host, how it is transmitted, and what can
be done to prevent or contain giardiasis outbreaks
BAM! Body and Mind Resources:
- The
Immune Platoon — Profiles the body's own super
hero team dedicated to protecting it from infectious and
other diseases that threaten good health.