Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem with worldwide effects. This project was created to help students understand antibiotic resistance- both the science behind it and how human use of antibiotics can affect resistance development. Students think about personal dilemmas that people face everyday and how they can affect antibiotic resistance.

Students begin the project with a brief introduction to bacteria and antibiotics. Students are asked to write about a time when they have taken antibiotics. They read a story about a young girl, Miranda, who has strep throat. Miranda stops taking her antibiotics early, and when she gets sick again the antibiotics don't work. Students brainstorm with their classmates why this might have happened.

This best practice lesson integrates technology in a highly effective way. Students use the Internet to access information, record their thoughts and findings, and create a presentation. The user must register and log in to access the project. Once on the site the user can modify the lesson to meet their particular instructional needs, set up a Student Portal, and manage their class as they work through the project.

The Web-based Inquiry Science Environment (WISE) is a free on-line science learning environment for students in grades 4-12, supported by the National Science Foundation. In WISE, students work on exciting inquiry projects on topics such as genetically modified foods, earthquake prediction, and the deformed frogs mystery. Students learn about and respond to contemporary scientific controversies through designing, debating, and critiquing solutions — all on the World Wide Web! (author/ts)

This free online project is part of an extensive collection of online materials that involve students in the examination of real world evidence and science related issues. For this project, students use the Internet to access information, record their observations, problem solve, and create a presentation. The project's online environment actively involves students and allows them to work at their own pace. All Health Sciences students will find the material pertinent. In particular, students in the pharmacy assistant program can gain an understanding of the importance of the pharmacist offering proper counseling as well as an appreciation for the importance of accuracy when transcribing prescription directions. The site is structured so that teachers can modify projects for individual class situations. (jrs)