Earth Science,
Probability, and A.I.D.S.
Lesson
objective:
Students will demonstrate the dynamics of how A.I.D.S. is
transmitted.
Grade level and subject area:
Grades 10-12 / Earth
Science, Biology, and
Chemistry
Resources and materials:
cups, a base, and
phenolphthalein.
Activities and strategies:
- The teacher distributes a cup to each student which is half
full (or half empty) of water. At least one student has a
cup with the "A.I.D.S." virus, which can be any base, including a small amount
of baking soda or baking powder or a weak solution of NaOH.
- The students
then mill about the room interacting with other students,
sometimes just talking,
but pouring a bit of their water into another's cup at
least 10 times. Finally, the teacher will go around the room and add a drop of
the indicator, phenolphthalein, to each cup. Those cups which have
been "infected" with the base will change from clear to a color.
- This
activity can be followed by a discussion or serve as a bridge to
other activities. The teacher can explain the activity symbolizes the
transmission of the A.I.D.S. virus and that while it was unclear who was
initially infected, many people were subsequently exposed to the
disease.
This activity was conducted by teachers at Grover
Cleveland H.S.
in Ridgewood, NY.
Return to Great Ideas!
This document was last updated 6/1/97 by
Chandra Hawley.
Copyright
1996 Indiana University -
Center for Adolescent Studies, all rights reserved.
Kris Bosworth