Year 9 Science · Unit 1 · Lesson 6

Second Line of Defence

Challenge Worksheet

Name

Date

Class

Learning Goals

Evaluate a complex scientific claim about fever, identifying what is supported and what is misleading.
Apply nuanced understanding of fever as both protective and potentially dangerous.
Construct a scientifically accurate, evidence-based response to a medical claim.

Go Deeper

Evaluate the claim

Someone claims...

"Fever is dangerous and should always be reduced with medication as quickly as possible. When you have a fever, your body is overheating and the heat is killing your organs. Paracetamol works by fighting the infection directly, which is why it brings your temperature down. Any fever above 37°C is a medical emergency and you should immediately go to hospital. The sooner you bring the fever down, the faster you recover."

(a) What part of this claim is supported by the science you have learned? Quote a specific statement from the claim and explain which scientific facts back it up.

Challenge 2 marks

Show What You Know

(b) Identify THREE specific statements in the claim that are misleading or scientifically incorrect. For each one, write the correct scientific explanation.

Challenge 3 marks

(c) A two-month-old infant develops a fever of 38.2°C. An otherwise healthy 16-year-old develops a fever of 38.5°C. Using your scientific knowledge, explain why these two situations require different responses. What evidence or extra information would a doctor need to make a safe decision in each case?

Challenge 3 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?