Virus Worksheets for Kids
Viruses are everywhere, and it seems like new ones pop up all the time. But what exactly is a virus? Your kids want to know, so use these Virus Worksheets for Kids to help explain what viruses are, how they make us sick, and how we can prevent viruses from infecting.
For more activities, try these health worksheets for kids!
Viruses are like hijackers, for cells. This is why bad pieces of computer code are called “viruses” because just like real viruses, they can “infect” a computer, hijack or take over the programming, and make the computer do what it wants.
Unlike computers though, humans don’t come with universal anti-virus protection.
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What is a virus?
So what is a virus anyway? Well, it’s actually not even technically “alive”. Viruses require a “host” to live and reproduce. A host can be any kind of living cell — plant, animal, bacteria, or fungus.
A virus is a tiny package of “code” or DNA (or RNA, depending on the virus) covered in stuff (called the envelope on your virus worksheets) that makes it friendly to living cells, like proteins.
How do viruses cause illness?
All cells have DNA and RNA. This is the stuff that tells the cell what to do. It’s the “program” of the cell, like the software on a computer. When a virus gets inside a cell, its DNA program takes over and hijacks the cell.
That’s what makes us sick. The virus tells the cell to make more virus copies instead of what the cell was supposed to do. Eventually, the cell dies, and all the virus copies burst out to find new cells to infect. This can happen quite quickly, which is why viruses can spread so fast.
Recommended Virus Books
Kids love learning about their own bodies — especially the icky stuff. So, use these books to teach them about the wonderful world of microbes, both good and bad. Germs like bacteria and viruses won’t stand a chance after you teach them the “ninja” antigerm way.
Keep the Germs Away: Children’s Books About Germs & Hygiene, Kids Ages 3 5, Kindergarten, Preschool (Social Skills For Kids)Cutie Sue Fights the Germs: An Adorable Children’s Book About Health and Personal Hygiene (Cutie Sue Series)Germs Make Me Sick! (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)I’m a Virus! (Science Buddies)The Bacteria Book: The Big World of Really Tiny Microbes (The Science Book Series)Baby Medical School: Bacteria and Antibiotics: A Human Body Science Book for Kids (Science Gifts for Kids, Nurse Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Back to School Gifts and Supplies for Kids) (Baby University)
Virus vs bacteria – what is the difference?
Unlike viruses, bacteria are alive. They are cells that try to destroy the cells of whatever creature they infect, usually by eating them. Bacteria can be treated easily by the human body and by medicines known as antibacterials or antibiotics.
Unfortunately, viruses can’t be stopped by antibiotics. While the body can rid itself of many viruses, some can be quite challenging. The problem is that viruses hang out inside our cells and that shelters them from medicines and the body’s own defenses.
We have developed some antiviral medicines that can help treat virus infections, but viruses are generally much harder to treat than bacterial infections.
That’s why vaccines are necessary. Vaccines introduce a weakened or dead form of a virus to help the body create the specialized defense it needs to fight off an infection.
That way, when a real version comes along, your body can recognize it faster and fight it better, meaning you won’t get infected.
Specialized viruses
There’s one kind of virus that scientists find quite useful – the bacteriophage. You’ll find it on your virus worksheets. This is a special kind of virus that actually infects harmful bacteria! Scientists and doctors have used certain bacteriophages to fight bacterial infections instead of using antibiotics.
Another kind of virus is one that has been created to help treat other diseases. This kind of virus, called a vector, can be used to deliver genetic code to the cells of people who might have mistakes in their genetic codes.
And then the new codes can help those people’s bodies create the missing proteins or hormones they need to treat their disease.
Virus Worksheets Supplies
- Printer (I have this one)
- Paper
- Pencil
- Crayons/pencil crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
I have the HP printer 8710 but it’s not available anymore. It’s been running well for years now. Look for another HP Instant Ink-ready printer so that you can use their program to send you ink cartridges whenever your printer gets low on ink.
Recommended Virus Activity Kits
If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to teach kids about viruses, these activity kits that I recommend are a great choice. These kits include hands-on projects and interactive materials that make learning about viruses easy to understand.
Engino STEAM Labs How Viruses Work Construction Toy for Ages 8+Educational Insights Nancy B’s Science Club Mighty Microbes Lab & Germ JournalSteve Spangler’s Growing Bacteria Science Experiment KitScientific Explorer Disgusting Biology Kids Science KitPOPULAR SCIENCE Microbiology Lab Science Kit | STEM Toys and Gifts for Educational and Fun Experiments | Home Learning Fab Set for Children Ages 8+Bacteria Growing Science Kit. Pre-Poured Agar Plates & Swabs. Perfect for Kids. Great for Learning About Microbiology. STEM Education. Experiment Guide eBook Included!
Recommended Health Activities
Junior Scientist Science Study: Healthy Habits
This educational pack is a great way to teach young learners about the importance of staying healthy while making the process enjoyable and interactive!
This doctor pretend play pack makes learning about health exciting and interactive for kids. They’ll love exploring the world of health and playing doctor, all while having fun!
What’s included in the virus worksheets for kids?
Parts of a virus and bacteriophage
With this fun activity, you can identify and learn about the different parts of a virus and a bacteriophage. Cut and paste the parts of a virus and bacteriophage and label them correctly!
Trace the Word
Practice writing by tracing the words “Virus” and “Bacteriophage.” A fun way to learn new words!
All of these parts can be colored in, adding an extra layer of fun and creativity to the learning experience!
More Health Activities
If you enjoyed these virus worksheets, here are more health-related activities to continue the fun. From interactive games and experiments to creative projects, these activities can make learning about health fun and exciting.
- Hygiene Worksheet for Elementary Students
- Fighting Germs Printable Cards
- Glitter Germ Science Experiment
- No More Spreading Germs Coloring Pages for Kids by Crystal and Comp
- Fun Germ Blow Painting Art With Straws by Simple Everyday Mom
Teaching kids about healthy food and habits? I have fun activities, printables, and more, on this list of Health and Hygiene for Kids.
Using these virus worksheets can make learning about viruses both fun and educational for kids. These activities help simplify hard-to-understand concepts and engage children in understanding how viruses work.
Start learning about viruses by getting your worksheet today!