Science Research Paper HELP!!

[AngieAngieAngie]

So, I'm a homeschooler rushing to finish my science research paper. (It should have been done looong ago but I'm a procrastinator by trade and my grandfather just passed away, so I've gotten really behind.) I'm writing my paper on germs, but I'm having trouble with my topical outline. My first point is "I.Types"; subpoints, "A.bacteria, B.viruses, C.fungi, D.protozoa." But I'm struggling to find a second main point! I know my last one will be something along the lines of the importance of germs, or uses, or something similar. I really need some ideas for my second point!! I'm at a stand still and just so unorganized right now, so any suggestions would be really appreciated!! Thanks!! (:

[SciB]

Hi Angie,

Your paper on germs starts off with descriptions of the various types--bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc and that's good. I'm assuming your topic is really Germs and Humans, so now you have to explain how they affect humans. Obviously, some of them can cause disease, but others are necessary for good health, like the bacteria in your intestine.

So i think your next section should be: GOOD BUGS vs BAD BUGS

Good Bugs
I've never heard of beneficial viruses or fungi, but there are a lot of examples of good bacteria. This is a really interesting research area right now as scientists find every part of our bodies is home to a specific population of bugs--mostly good.

Bad Bugs
The bad bugs are the ones that cause tuberculosis, influenza, and fungal diseases among many others and there are tons of examples of these, so you might want to just talk about the really important ones like drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, H7N9 bird flu that can be passed from human to human, and other emerging viruses like West Nile virus and coronavirus.

Defense and Attack!
Lastly you might want to talk about our microbial defense system without which we would have become extinct long ago. Our skin is a great barrier against attack. That's why when you cut yourself it is especially important to wash and treat the area with an antibiotic spray. Your lungs are also a great entry point for bad bugs, especially viruses. The body has an immune system that works in two ways. First a bacterium is directly attacked by antibodies and other proteins that you have from being vaccinated, then white blood cells come on the scene to clean up the remains and make sure you stay healthy in the future.

Germs are really amazing critters. They are very adaptable and can live almost anywhere. They are important parts of the ecology aside from their direct effects on us in causing disease. In fact, the only life remaining on Mars may be germs!

Hope this helps.

Best wishes,

SciB