Food poisoning is one of those things that everyone knows how it feels and which cafes and restaurants to avoid to prevent it. But not everyone knows how it actually happens and why.

This research task will help students discover the how and the why behind the specific pathogens that cause food poisoning, including understanding high risk food and the vulnerable groups that are more susceptible to the dangerous consequences of it. Students will show their understanding through an oral and written presentation style format.

Great as a filler lesson towards the end of the term, an introduction for a food poisoning or pathogen topic, or set the research component for when the regular teacher is absent and the oral component for later. This task provides the specific pathogens that are linked to food poisoning that students can choose from to research, a range of questions they need to answer within their research, and a score/marking criteria form.

This is one of my go to lessons to keep students engaged!