Microbe Mission B/C

[Starapollo1]

So, when you all say diseases not on the list...like what's an example of what they were asking you about?

We had questions about the black plague, abortion, scarlet fever, ect... I knew some of it but not everything and it definitely hurt us

Abortion? What does that have to do with Microbe Mission?

Miscarriages can sometimes be caused by bacteria, specifically a bacteria that is passed down by the mother: Chlamydia trachomatis... that's one of the one's I knew but they asked what Bacterial strand caused Scarlet Fever and I was just so confused... lol for one I know very veyr little about Scarlet Fever and two, I thoguht Scarlet Fever was caused by a virus!!!! lol Yeah... thus it was kind of a janky Microbe test at State...

[TheWiseGirl]

Hey Guys, so I have a little problem. See, I'm a perfectionist, which means I need to know everything in order to feel confident (I know its not possible, but I still stress anyways). Which means I am kinda freaking out right now. It doesn't help that it was freakishly cold in our SO classroom because SOMEONE decided to steal the portable's thermostat, which means no heat. Yeah, don't ask...

But anyways, What sort of things should I feel comfortable in to do okay on this test? We got 3rd at Regionals, when I really thought we were going to fail, and I'm trying to keep us from failing at State . So, yeah, what categories should I really really really know well to give myself a confidence boost?

[Starapollo1]

Hey Guys, so I have a little problem. See, I'm a perfectionist, which means I need to know everything in order to feel confident (I know its not possible, but I still stress anyways). Which means I am kinda freaking out right now. It doesn't help that it was freakishly cold in our SO classroom because SOMEONE decided to steal the portable's thermostat, which means no heat. Yeah, don't ask...

But anyways, What sort of things should I feel comfortable in to do okay on this test? We got 3rd at Regionals, when I really thought we were going to fail, and I'm trying to keep us from failing at State . So, yeah, what categories should I really really really know well to give myself a confidence boost?

First of all... RELAX (if you know me you would realize just how hypocritical that statement was lol but oh well!)

Microbe mission can be unpredictable at time so you just have to hope for a test writer who knows what they're doing. (Our state comp the test was... less than...) Anyway, start by going to www.soinc.org and going to the microbe section, for a direct link:

http://www.soinc.org/microbe_mission_c

If you go over those resources you will be GOLDEN for states! But take it to the next level! Make sure you really know that list of microbial diseases! Know what type of microbe causes them (bacteria, virus, fungi, prion, etc) Start with this and if you can get through ALL of it before states then I'll show yo ua few more cool sites lol GOOD LUCK!!!

[amerikestrel]

Hey Guys, so I have a little problem. See, I'm a perfectionist, which means I need to know everything in order to feel confident (I know its not possible, but I still stress anyways). Which means I am kinda freaking out right now. It doesn't help that it was freakishly cold in our SO classroom because SOMEONE decided to steal the portable's thermostat, which means no heat. Yeah, don't ask...

But anyways, What sort of things should I feel comfortable in to do okay on this test? We got 3rd at Regionals, when I really thought we were going to fail, and I'm trying to keep us from failing at State . So, yeah, what categories should I really really really know well to give myself a confidence boost?

If you have bio or microbiology textbook, read the relevant sections. If you don't have one, you can buy them used on Amazon pretty cheaply. Textbooks can be really informative; they're my favorite way to study. Even if you don't remember every word, you'll get all the key concepts.

[Starapollo1]

Hey Guys, so I have a little problem. See, I'm a perfectionist, which means I need to know everything in order to feel confident (I know its not possible, but I still stress anyways). Which means I am kinda freaking out right now. It doesn't help that it was freakishly cold in our SO classroom because SOMEONE decided to steal the portable's thermostat, which means no heat. Yeah, don't ask...

But anyways, What sort of things should I feel comfortable in to do okay on this test? We got 3rd at Regionals, when I really thought we were going to fail, and I'm trying to keep us from failing at State . So, yeah, what categories should I really really really know well to give myself a confidence boost?

If you have bio or microbiology textbook, read the relevant sections. If you don't have one, you can buy them used on Amazon pretty cheaply. Textbooks can be really informative; they're my favorite way to study. Even if you don't remember every word, you'll get all the key concepts.

what books have you found helpful? I have an IB HL textbook that's been fairly helpful, and the Reese and Campbell 7th edition AP textbook

[aubrey048]

I'm seriously considering this event for next year (IT LOOKS REALLY REALLY COOL!) and would like to start studying right away. But before I do, I'd like to ask one quick question...

Does this event require a lot of fancy/expensive/hard-to-come-by lab equipment? I've read through this entire thread and it doesn't appear to, but I'm making double-sure. I'm from a puny homeschool team that has no money to spend on SO, so all of the expenses come out of my parents' pockets. >_< Thus I can't do any events that are super lab-intensive.

Thanks in advance!

[Kokonilly]

Does this event require a lot of fancy/expensive/hard-to-come-by lab equipment? I've read through this entire thread and it doesn't appear to, but I'm making double-sure. I'm from a puny homeschool team that has no money to spend on SO, so all of the expenses come out of my parents' pockets. >_< Thus I can't do any events that are super lab-intensive.

No. You only need to bring goggles, a calculator, and a writing utensil.

[aubrey048]

Does this event require a lot of fancy/expensive/hard-to-come-by lab equipment? I've read through this entire thread and it doesn't appear to, but I'm making double-sure. I'm from a puny homeschool team that has no money to spend on SO, so all of the expenses come out of my parents' pockets. >_< Thus I can't do any events that are super lab-intensive.

No. You only need to bring goggles, a calculator, and a writing utensil.

Ok. Great! (YOU HEARD ME! ) I better get studying then...

[alexxela]

We had questions about the black plague, abortion, scarlet fever, ect... I knew some of it but not everything and it definitely hurt us

Abortion? What does that have to do with Microbe Mission?

Miscarriages can sometimes be caused by bacteria, specifically a bacteria that is passed down by the mother: Chlamydia trachomatis... that's one of the one's I knew but they asked what Bacterial strand caused Scarlet Fever and I was just so confused... lol for one I know very veyr little about Scarlet Fever and two, I thoguht Scarlet Fever was caused by a virus!!!! lol Yeah... thus it was kind of a janky Microbe test at State...

Yes we had that same set of matching in Division B and I was completely stumped except for the ones which were on the actual list. Also, they asked about things that were only supposed to be for Division C (I've been wondering if that guy gave the same test to both divisions) such as gram staining and bacterial shapes; luckily I knew those ones.

[Starapollo1]

You know what the irony is... we didn't get asked ANYTHING on bacterial shapes or gram staining. Isn't that ridiculous!!! unless... you don't think they switched our tests do you? I mean, if you had gram staining, and bacterial shapes which is in the division C... and we had everything that was technically in the division B rules... UGH! that would be sooo dumb!!! That better not have happened!