At the completion of the unit, students will have a solid understanding of the life cycle and reproduction (replication) of viruses. Students will use their creativity and language arts skills to apply knowledge of the virus life cycle to write the lyrics to the song "Victim of a Virus" (see handout). Prior to this lesson, students have learned about viruses by researching the following web site: http://www.homeworkcentral.com/files.htp?fileid=35695&use=hc Once students have completed this, they will take their creativity and learning to another level with the final component of this unit, discussed in Part 3

THE INTERDEPENDENCE OF ORGANISMS The atoms and molecules on the earth cycle among the living and nonliving components of the biosphere. Energy flows through ecosystems in one direction, from photosynthetic organisms to herbivores to carnivores and decomposers. Organisms both cooperate and compete in ecosystems. The interrelationships and interdependencies of these organisms may generate ecosystems that are stable for hundreds or thousands of years. Living organisms have the capacity to produce populations of infinite size, but environments and resources are finite. This fundamental tension has profound effects on the interactions between organisms. Human beings live within the world's ecosystems. Increasingly, humans modify ecosystems as a result of population growth, technology, and consumption. Human destruction of habitats through direct harvesting, pollution, atmospheric changes, and other factors is threatening current global stability, and if not addressed, ecosystems will be irreversibly affected.

Students must have already gained the basic information on viruses and their life cycle before attempting this lesson. English skills are necessary, but the assignment can be scaled to the level of your students. A basic understanding of songwriting and lyrics are necessary, but any student having listened to music on the radio is already a pro. Typing skills (optional)

In this lesson, students will be creating the subsequent verses and chorus to complete the song "Victim of a Virus" which begins as follows: "Well, since my baby kissed me, I found a new place to dwell It's home in bed, sick with the flu, It's Virus Hotel…" Needless to say the tone of this lesson is Elvis-esque. The handout I use in class comes complete with graphics of the King himself! I really play this one up and have a good time with it. The kids think I'm crazy, but boy, do I get great products back!

The assessment of this lesson is the completion of the song. The student grade is typically based on completeness, accuracy of the information regarding the virus life cycle, and student creativity. A rubric based on the teacher's desires can easily be created.

The following is the text copy of the student handout used in my class. The handout encompasses all 3 lessons covered in this unit. Viva Las Virus! "Well, since my baby kissed me, I found a new place to dwell It's home in bed, sick with the flu, It's Virus Hotel…" Now that's what I call singing the blues! This poor guy has got it bad, but before we can help him out, we need to learn just a bit more about viruses and just what they do. Take a look at the article located at the following web site: http://www.homeworkcentral.com/files.htp?fileid=35695&use=hc Now that you're an expert on viruses, and how they attack, we need to help out The King on his road to recovery. Take a minute to write the chorus, 2nd, 3rd and 4th verses to "Victim of a Virus", which The King started above. In your #1 Smash Hit, make sure to include such things as methods of virus transmission, how to avoid getting a virus, how you can get rid of them and what illnesses virus' can cause, along with other facts you think your loyal fans should know about. Once you are done there, take the information and design an album cover and title for your new CD, making sure to diagram your star, the virus! Good Luck, Nate the Great Station Manager WSIK, FM 99

computers with Internet access