Viruses (Pathfinder Honor)

1. 1. Describe or discuss the following with a group. If necessary research possible answers tothese topics so that you can make meaningful contributions to the group.
   a. What does the word virus mean? Explain the controversy regarding whether it is aliveor not.
   b. Name the distinctive characteristics of viruses and why they're not included in anykingdom.
   c. Name some morphological shapes of viruses and give an example of each.
   d. Explain the importance of vaccines to combat viruses. How do they work?
   e. Describe how viruses reproduce and how the genetic modifications called mutationsoccur and viral resistance.
   f. Have viral diseases ever been eradicated? Why is it difficult to treat patients with viraldiseases?
   2. Through pictures, video, or detailed descriptions, explain the difference in the followingexanthematous or rash diseases:
   a. Rubella
   b. Measles
   c. Chickenpox
   3. Choose three of the following viral diseases and describe their form of infection, symptomsand prevention. Demonstrate your learning creatively through a display, presentation, orprepared speech:
   a. Cholera
   b. Herpes
   c. AIDS
   d. Mumps
   e. Poliomyelitis
   f. Meningitis
   g. Hepatitis
   h. Dengue
   4. Explain the difference between a cold and the flu. Why does the influenza virus causeperiodic epidemics (like the Spanish flu, avian flu, H1N1, etc.)?
   5. What is the difference between a virus and a prion? Name a disease caused by a prion.
   6. Do one of the following:
   a. Give a brief report about a viral pandemic and the impact it had / is having on theworld.
   b. Create a skit, multimedia presentation, or other interactive display that informs a 3rdworld audience to the danger of one or more of these viruses and gives them training inhow to combat or control the virus.
   c. Have an aid/relief worker give a talk or presentation about epidemics and virus controlin third-world countries. Raise money as a group to support aid relief in the country/(ies)the worker tells you about.

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Honor Requirements & Answers

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