 It's a pretty safe bet that nearly everyone has had at least one up-close and nasty experience with viruses like those that cause the common cold. But what exactly is a virus and how do these microscopic parasites infect their human hosts? In Viruses, students will examine the characteristics of these simple organisms. Discover how viruses remain dormant until they are able to latch onto a host cell, in the microscopic equivalent of a space shuttle docking! Also explored are the viruses known as bacteriophages, which scientists believe may hold the key to conquering bacteria. Learn why, when it comes to viruses, prevention is possible in the form of a vaccine. In addition, a hands-on demonstration illustrates how viruses are able to spread through a population via casual contact. One of four volumes in the Simple Organisms in Action Video Series in the Schlessinger Science Library. Part of the Schlessinger Science Library in Action Collection. This title correlates to the National Science Education Standards for Life Science: structure & function in living systems, reproduction & heredity, regulation & behavior, populations & ecosystems, and diversity & adaptations of organisms. A teacher's guide featuring additional information on the topic, vocabulary words, discussion questions, follow-up activities and lists of recommended books and Internet resources is included and available online.
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