Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria

This primary level activity linked to evolution and inheritance looks at the adaptations of bacteria and how adaptation causes problems when treating a bacterial infection with antibiotics. The occurrence of antibiotic resistant bacteria is caused by evolutionary adaptation, by understanding how the bacteria are evolving to resist the antibiotics we can be more educated in how and when we give antibiotics out. It also gives an opportunity to discuss hygiene and hand washing, to prevent the spread of bacteria. Teachers’ notes provide background subject knowledge and a short video shows the activity in action in the classroom. This resource has been provided by Primary Evolution, produced by Reading University with support from the Wellcome Trust.