Preventing Infections: Print Resources

This is a collection of print resources about preventing infections. A separate collection of Electronic Resources is also available.

Below are outstanding and recommended titles by the National Science Teachers Association that fit this year’s theme for National Chemistry Week. Descriptions are based on reviews from the NSTA web site.

Key: E = Elementary (K–5), I = Intermediate (6–8), HS = High School (9–12), C = College, G = General Public

ACHOO! THE MOST INTERESTING BOOK YOU’LL EVER READ ABOUT GERMS. Trudee Romanek. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press Ltd., 2003. 40 pp. ISBN 1553374509. (E, I)
This book is about good and bad germs, what they are (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa), how they live (in and on us and our surroundings), how they affect our lives (disease, body odor, halitosis, pimples, etc.), and how we have learned to deal with them (immunity, antibiotics, vaccines, and hygiene). It is full of accurate information presented in manageable segments and colorful, relevant, and amusing illustrations. Eight “You Try It” sections also expand students’ understanding with a selection of activities and investigations that can be done in class or at home using simple materials. Appropriate safety precautions are provided for the activities.
Source: NSTA Recommends
FIGHTING INFECTIOUS DISEASES. Robert Snedden. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library, 2000. 32 pp. ISBN 1-57572-243-7. (I)
This interesting and well-written book looks at agents that cause diseases, the effect of diseases on humans, and the human immune system. Many photographs accompany the text. General information about disease agents and methods used to fight them are included along with discussions of various diseases. It begins with basic background knowledge about disease. Pathogens that have been virtually eliminated, such as smallpox, are described as diseases like AIDS that are currently devastating certain populations. Other topics discussed include vaccinations, emerging diseases, continued medical research, and searches for cures. The book concludes with a thought-provoking chapter on biological weapons. Includes a glossary, index and supplemental readings.
Source: NSTA Recommends
THERE’S A ZOO ON YOU. Kathy Darling. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press, 2000. 48 pp. ISBN 0-7613-1357-5. (E, I)
This book is an entertaining look at the microscopic critters that inhabit our bodies. It is well written, attractive, and enlightening. A sensitive reader will be intrigued, amazed, and even shocked by her text; bacteria on your face, parasites under your nails, mites on your skin, and even tooth amoebas! Dramatic photographs of enlarged parasites and scanning electron micrographs will hook even those who avoid science. Students will find the unique images weird and appealing.
Source: NSTA Recommends
101 QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM YOU FELT DEFENSELESS TO ANSWER…UNTIL NOW. Faith Hickman Brynie. Frederick, MD: Twenty-First Century Books, 2000. 176 pp. ISBN 0-7913-1569-1. (HS)
This book provides information about the basic foundations of the immune system, its component parts, the natural processes involved in it, what goes awry when it malfunctions and how it interacts with foreign substances. The information goes beyond the types of white blood cells, the nature of anaphylaxis, or the inflammation response found in most general texts. The vocabulary, as one might expect, gets fairly technical but terms are clearly identified and explained. Includes glossary, end notes, bibliography, and additional resources.
Source: NSTA Recommends

Copyright © 2004 American Chemical Society