Biology Year 12 - Module 7 - Lesson 3
Koch and Pasteur — Germ Theory
1. Key Ideas
In 1859, most doctors still believed disease arose spontaneously from bad air. Pasteur's swan-neck flask changed that forever — and Koch turned the insight into a scientific method still used today.
- Pasteur's swan-neck flask experiment and what it proved
- Why Pasteur's experiment was a controlled investigation
2. Success Criteria
By the end, you should be able to:
- Pasteur's swan-neck flask experiment and what it proved
- Koch's four postulates in sequence
- How Koch's postulates were applied to identify a specific pathogen
3. Key Terms
4. Activity: Build the Lesson Map
Use the lesson to complete the table. Keep answers brief but specific.
| Prompt | Your answer |
|---|---|
| Main concept | |
| Important example | |
| Common mistake to avoid | |
| How this links to the next lesson |
5. Short Answer Questions
1. Explain this lesson goal in your own words: "Pasteur's swan-neck flask experiment and what it proved". Use one specific example from the lesson.
2. Apply this idea to a new example: "Koch's four postulates in sequence". Show your reasoning clearly.
3. Analyse why this idea matters for understanding Koch and Pasteur — Germ Theory: "How Koch's postulates were applied to identify a specific pathogen".
6. Extend: Apply the Idea
A student gives a memorised answer about Koch and Pasteur — Germ Theory but does not use evidence or reasoning.
Improve the answer by writing a stronger response that uses accurate terminology, a relevant example and a clear explanation.
7. Multiple Choice
1. What is the best first step when answering a question about Koch and Pasteur — Germ Theory?
A. Identify the key concept being tested
B. Write every fact from memory
C. Ignore the command word
D. Skip examples and evidence
2. Which answer would show stronger understanding of Koch and Pasteur — Germ Theory?
A. An answer with accurate terms and reasoning
B. A copied definition only
C. A single-word response
D. An answer with no example
3. What should you do if a question asks you to explain?
A. Link the idea to a reason or cause
B. List unrelated facts
C. Only draw a diagram
D. Write the shortest possible answer
8. Success Criteria Proof
Finish with evidence that you can do each success criterion.