Learning about Giardia and Giardiasis—Research and Role Play

Description
In this activity, students do a case study of giardiasis, an infectious disease caused by the tiny parasite Giardia lambila ("lambilia" means intestine). Giardiasis is sometimes called a "swimming pool" disease because it is frequently transmitted via water from a pool that has been contaminated by feces from an infected swimmer. Students will apply what they have learned about the "host" vertex of the Epidemiologic Triangle as they learn about giardiasis.

Relevant Standards
This activity fulfills science and health education standards.

Objectives
Students will:

• Define what it means to be the "host" of a disease
• Research giardiasis, an infectious disease caused by a tiny parasite, Giardia lamblia
• Describe Giardia, particularly the symptoms it causes in its host, how it is transmitted, and what can be done to prevent or contain giardiasis outbreaks