Parasitic Relationships

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to describe parasitic relationships and consider ways to prevent them.

Grade Levels

3-5

Next Generation Science Standard Strand

3^rd: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

4^th: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

5^th: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Materials Needed

Computers with internet access

Lesson

Introduction

Ask your students if they know what the word “symbiosis” means.
Tell your students that symbiosis is a relationship between two different species. Usually in symbiotic relationships, both species benefit.
Tell your students there are different types of symbiotic relationships.
Ask your students if they know any. Record them on the board if they are correct.

Explicit Instruction/Teacher Modeling

Tell your students that there are three different types of symbiotic relations. Today we will focus on parasitism.
Parasitism is when one species benefits by harming another one. Tell your students that an example of parasitism is fleas. They benefit from living in pets’ fur, while the pets end up getting itchy skin.
Dog owners help protect their dog’s from fleas (and other parasites) by giving them flea medication and getting them medical treatment.

Independent Work

Have students work with a partner to read about dog parasites: Dog Parasites
Ask your students to pair up and each write an 8-12 line poem that shows any parasitic relationship between dogs and a parasite listed. Be sure to include information about the best way to treat and prevent the parasite.

Review and Closing

References