How do we “see” virus particles in the air? In this lesson, students will explore the phenomenon of particle aerosolization and detection of infectious particles by simulating the process of taking a sample of air and finding the concentration of infectious particles using an antibody containing a fluorophore, varying concentrations of fluorescein to create a calibration curve, and UV-vis spectrophotometry with an unknown air sample.
Grade Levels: 9-12
Standard:
NGSS: HS-PS4-3
HS-PS4-4
HS-PS4-5
Topics: Virology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Epidemiology, Environmental Science, Physics (Optics)
Contributor: Kirstin Blase, Villa Duchesne Upper School
Acknowledgements: The contents of this curriculum were co-developed with Dr. Michael Vahey at McKelvey School of Engineering at WashU and were funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (CAREER: Assembly and Function of Viral Immune Complexes, MCB-2238165). These contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.