Year 9 Science · Unit 1 · Lesson 5
Challenge Worksheet
Learning Goals
Find the mistake
The student paragraph below contains FOUR scientific errors. Read carefully, identify each error, and answer the questions on page 2.
A student wrote this answer
"All diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. When a pathogen like the influenza virus enters the body through the mouth, it is immediately destroyed by lysozyme in the stomach because lysozyme breaks down cell walls. The skin acts as the first line of defence mainly because it produces antibodies that neutralise pathogens on the surface before they can enter. If a pathogen does get past the skin, the cilia in the respiratory tract trap it by producing mucus, and then peristalsis moves the pathogen downward into the lungs where it can be digested."
1. List all four errors in the student's answer. For each one, name the error and briefly explain what is wrong.
2. Rewrite the student's paragraph so it is completely scientifically accurate. You may need to change individual sentences or restructure the paragraph. Use specific scientific vocabulary.
3. Choose ONE of the errors you identified. Explain why this type of mistake is easy to make, what is it about the topic that causes confusion?
Wrap Up
In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?