6th Grade · Science · Activity · shared by Luke Morgan
Free 6th Grade Science activity: Students distinguish scientific facts from common beliefs about microorganisms and the microscopic world.
📋 Fact vs. Opinion Sort
Name: _________________________ Date: _____________
Topic: Distinguishing Scientific Data about Microbial Scale from Common Beliefs
Before you begin, it is important to understand the difference between facts and opinions in science. A FACT is a statement that can be proven true or false using evidence, data, or observation. An OPINION is a statement that expresses a personal belief, feeling, or judgment that cannot be proven.
Key Facts: The Science of the Microscopic World
Microorganisms, often called microbes, are living things so small they cannot be seen without a microscope. While many people believe all "germs" are harmful, the majority of bacteria are actually neutral or even helpful to humans. Bacteria typically measure between 1 and 5 micrometers in length, making them much smaller than the average human cell. Viruses are even smaller than bacteria and require a host cell to reproduce. Scientific data shows that microbes exist almost everywhere on Earth, including in extreme heat and deep under the ocean. In the 1670s, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek used hand-crafted lenses to become the first person to observe these "animalcules." His observations proved that a complex world of single-celled life exists beyond the limit of human vision. Today, microbiologists use advanced tools to study how these organisms help decompose waste and produce oxygen.
Directions: Read each statement below. Write F for Fact or O for Opinion on the blank line.
1. _____ Microorganisms are the most fascinating things a scientist can choose to study.
2. _____ Antonie van Leeuwenhoek observed tiny living organisms using specialized lenses in the 1670s.
3. _____ Most bacteria are harmful to humans and should be eliminated from the environment.