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This Grist video describes recent scientific research confirming that microorganisms can live in smoke, showing a prescribed burn in Latah County, Idaho where researchers are using a science discovered by Sarah Mims of San Antonio, Texas.
The video explains how research in this new field of study includes investigating what kinds of microbes are present in smoke (including harmful ones) which can help people understand how smoke from wildfires can affect human health.
This is a great video to highlight how scientific practices (like asking questions, planning and carrying out investigations, interpreting data, and communicating findings) have real-world applications.
The video can also inspire students because it shows that the findings from one high school student led to the creation of an entirely new scientific field of study.
Prerequisites
This video talks a lot about microbes and microorganisms. It may be helpful for students to already have some understanding of microbes (bacteria, fungal spores, protists, viruses).
Differentiation & Implementation
This video would be a great addition to a health class or a science class about biology, microbiology, or environmental science.
Connections can be made with climate change due to the increasing risk of wildfires, droughts, extreme heat events, and changing precipitation patterns related to global warming and climate change.
Advanced students can read the research paper published by Sarah Mims and outline their own scientific paper to research another location where microbes might be living.
Students may also be interested in this video about the effects of aerosols on humans.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
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Resource Type and Format
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All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
