Lesson 3: Which is Better: Wearing a Mask or Taking Antibiotics?

After a year of wearing masks due to the coronavirus, you most likely know that mask wearing helps to reduce the spread of some viruses. So, which is better, wearing a mask or taking antibiotics to prevent the spread of the flu?

Here are some definitions to help you in your investigation.

Virus - a small collection of material that make up genes that can infect and damage cells

Influenza (flu) - a virus that attacks the lungs, throat, and nose

Antibiotic - a drug that slows down the spread of infections due to bacteria

Bacteria - small, single-celled organisms that can spread disease while others can help other organisms

Doing the science

1. Start the Flu Transmission Simulation by clicking on the “Simulation” tab.
2. Click on the “Masks” button under the Factor menu on the left-bottom of the screen.
3. Click on the “Run” button at the bottom center of the screen.
4. Note the Progress bar, which shows time running for a six-week period.
5. Click on the “1” icon on the Progress bar.
6. Count and record in Table 1 the number of infected students at the end of the first week of the flu outbreak.
7. Click on the “2” icon on the Progress bar.
8. Count and record in Table 1 the number of infected students at the end of the second week of the flu outbreak.
9. Repeat this process until you have counted and recorded data for all six weeks.
10. Click on the “Antibiotics” button under the Factor menu on the left-bottom of the screen.
11. Repeat steps 3 - 9, only enter your data in Table 2.