Main Idea
What is the main idea of the entire article?
Your bathroom is filled with germs that you might not know about
Which sentence gives an example of a good bacteria?
"For example, Bifidobacterium Longum live in human intestines and actually prevent colonization by pathogenic, or harmful, bacteria."
What is a germ?
A small particle that can make people sick
Which of the following details could be added to the fifth paragraph of the article?
a. Fungus is another type of germ that probably lives in your bathroom.
b. Some viruses can be treated with antiviral medication
b. Some viruses can be treated with antiviral medication
What do you think you would be able to see using your DIY microscope?
(Uses vivid language to describe microbes)
What is the central idea of the subsection "Friend or Foe"?
The most common germs in your bathroom are bacteria and viruses
Which sentence tells how many bacteria per square inch are probably on the bathroom light switch?
"The light switch contains a surprising 215 bacteria per square inch."
What are the most common types of germs found in your bathroom?
viruses and bacteria
How is the central idea developed in the subsection, “Friend or Foe”?
a. The author describes viruses and bacteria in depth.
b. The author defines all of the different types of germs that might live in your bathroom.
a. The author describes viruses and bacteria in depth.
How could you improve the magnification ability of your microscope?
(Answers may vary)
What is the central idea of the subsection "What You Can’t See Might Hurt You" ?
Different surfaces in your bathroom have varying numbers of germs on them
Which sentence explains why so many bacteria live in your bathroom?
"Because there are so many types of bacteria that live and thrive in feces, the bathroom is an obvious place it can end up."
How can a bacterial infection be treated?
with antibiotics
How does the author expect the reader to feel about the results of the bathroom surface bacteria tests?
a. surprised
b. relieved
a. surprised
Most people would assume that the toilet seat would be right at the top of the list for high levels of contamination, but the level of bacteria found on it was actually quite low. Topping the list was the sink itself which showed more than 50,000 Colony Forming Units (CFUs).
"In many cases germs are spread via touch, so we can see that objects touched after people have used the toilet but before they have washed their hands can be just as contaminated, " adds Dr. Hastings.
The only object in the bathroom on which no traces of bacteria were found was the soap dispenser, as manufactured by Deb and incorporating BioCote's antimicrobial technology.
Compare the article above with the subsection, “What You Can’t See Might Hurt You”
Experimental results discussed in both articles found that there was more bacteria found near the sink/faucet area than on the toilet itself
Bacteria data in “How Gross Is Your Bathroom?” was measured in parts per square inch. In the BioCote article excerpt, it is measured in Colony Forming Units (CFUs)
Explain how the text develops the central idea you identified for the subsection "Friend or Foe"
In order to develop the central idea that bacteria and viruses are the two main types of germs in your bathroom, the text breaks it down and describes each type of germ in depth. The text defines bacteria, explains how it infects the human body, and then explains how the body gets rid of bacteria. Then, the text gives similar information about viruses
Find one piece evidence in the article that shows the reader (you) why you should care about this article
"In fact, your bathroom is probably secretly harboring a village of germs that you know nothing about."
According to the article, which area below is probably the dirtiest part of the bathroom?
the faucet
Which excerpt most strongly supports your answer to the previous question?
a. Be sure to wear your shoes to the potty or you’ll expose your bare feet to the 750 bacteria per square inch living on the floor.
b. The faucet or tap contains 4,975 bacteria per square inch! That’s over sixteen times the bacteria on the toilet seat.
b. The faucet or tap contains 4,975 bacteria per square inch! That’s over sixteen times the bacteria on the toilet seat.
Most people would assume that the toilet seat would be right at the top of the list for high levels of contamination, but the level of bacteria found on it was actually quite low. Topping the list was the sink itself which showed more than 50,000 Colony Forming Units (CFUs).
"In many cases germs are spread via touch, so we can see that objects touched after people have used the toilet but before they have washed their hands can be just as contaminated, " adds Dr. Hastings.
The only object in the bathroom on which no traces of bacteria were found was the soap dispenser, as manufactured by Deb and incorporating BioCote's antimicrobial technology.
Make an inference. What type of company is BioCote?
A technology company that sells antimicrobial technology to companies that manufacture products
Notice that there are two different graphics in the second subsection "What You Can’t See Might Hurt You". One is an illustration and the other is a graph. Both graphics provide the same data. Describe how each graphic develops the main idea of this section in a different way
Both graphics provide data in numbers to support the idea that different bathroom surfaces contain varying amounts of germs. The illustration helps you to visualize where these areas are in the bathroom and makes you think about your bathroom. The graph is a visual representation to help you compare the bacteria on the different surfaces shown in the illustration. For example, it helps you to understand just how much more bacteria is on the faucet than the toilet
Find one piece of text evidence that tells you why you should be careful washing your hands
"The faucet, or tap, contains 4,975 bacteria per square inch! That’s over sixteen times the bacteria on the toilet seat."
What suggestion does the article give for avoiding the germs on the countertop and faucet?
Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet
How are the central ideas in the article supported in the final paragraph of the article?
a. The author provides information about how vitamins can fight germs.
b. The author reminds the reader that there are dangerous germs in his or her bathroom
b. The author reminds the reader that there are dangerous germs in his or her bathroom
Most people would assume that the toilet seat would be right at the top of the list for high levels of contamination, but the level of bacteria found on it was actually quite low. Topping the list was the sink itself which showed more than 50,000 Colony Forming Units (CFUs).
"In many cases germs are spread via touch, so we can see that objects touched after people have used the toilet but before they have washed their hands can be just as contaminated, " adds Dr. Hastings.
The only object in the bathroom on which no traces of bacteria were found was the soap dispenser, as manufactured by Deb and incorporating BioCote's antimicrobial technology.
How is the author’s purpose in this article excerpt different from the original article?
The author’s purpose in the original article is to inform the reader about the germs, including viruses and bacteria, living in his bathroom. In the BioCote article excerpt, the author’s purpose is to show the reader how BioCote’s antimicrobial technology makes the soap dispensers manufactured by Deb cleaner or free of bacteria