What are Antibiotics?

Antibiotics are powerful medicines that are used to treat bacterial infections. They work by either killing bacteria or preventing them from multiplying. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses such as the common cold or flu.

Types of Antibiotics

There are several different types of antibiotics, including:

Penicillins: These are some of the oldest and most widely used antibiotics. They work by interfering with the bacteria's ability to build their cell walls.
Cephalosporins: These antibiotics are similar to penicillins and also work by disrupting the bacteria's cell wall formation.
Tetracyclines: These antibiotics interfere with the bacteria's ability to make proteins, thereby stopping their growth.
Macrolides: Macrolide antibiotics work by inhibiting the bacteria's ability to make proteins, thus killing the bacteria.
Fluoroquinolones: These antibiotics interfere with the bacteria's DNA replication process, preventing them from multiplying.

Usage and Side Effects

Antibiotics should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor to treat a bacterial infection. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. Skipping doses or stopping treatment early can lead to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria become resistant to the effects of the antibiotic.

Common side effects of antibiotics include diarrhea, nausea, and allergic reactions. It's important to discuss any potential side effects with a healthcare provider.

Study Guide

What is the primary function of antibiotics?
List and explain at least three types of antibiotics.
Why should antibiotics only be taken when prescribed by a doctor?
What are the potential side effects of antibiotics?
What is antibiotic resistance and how does it occur?

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Second Grade. Magnets

Vocabulary/Answer key

Magnets

The resources above cover the following skills:

Core Ideas for Knowing Science

Physical Science

Objects can affect other objects at a distance.

Second Grade: Focus on Systems and System Models; Energy and Matter

Physical Sciences: Students develop an understanding of observable properties of matter and how changes in energy (heating or cooling) can affect matter or materials.

Physical Science Standards

Plan and carry out an investigation to determine that matter has mass, takes up space, and is recognized by its observable properties; use the collected evidence to develop and support an explanation.

Earth and Space Sciences: Students develop an understanding of the distribution and role of water and wind in weather, shaping the land, and where organisms live. Wind and water can also change environments, and students learn humans and other organisms can change environments too. Students develop an understanding of changing patterns in the sky including the position of Sun, Moon, and stars, and the apparent shape of the Moon.

Earth and Space Standards

Develop and use models to represent that water can exist in different states and is found in oceans, glaciers, lakes, rivers, ponds, and the atmosphere.

Analyze patterns in weather conditions of various regions of the world and design, test, and refine solutions to protect humans from severe weather conditions.