The “Bubble Boy”

Thursday (25/06/09)

a) The “Bubble Boy”
· From Ze Yan’s encyclopedia, we saw something unexpectable.
· Born in 1971, David had a rare genetic disease whereby he had very low immune system against any kind of bacteria; even a cold virus could kill him.
· Thus, he lived in a bubble room which was a germ-free environment for 12 years. No friends or even parents could touch him. Any food or toys and books given must be sterilised first. He attended school by speakerphone. When he was 6 years old, NASA gave himan astronaut suit so that he could sometimes play outside. At 12, he underwent an experimental operation to give his body the white blood cells it needed. However, 15 days after the operation, he died.

b) The Immune System
· When a bacteria or germ gets into our body, it will trigger our immune system which will send an army of cells to fight them off. These includes white blood cells, B Cells and Killer T Cells.
· The kids were amazed of what our body can do.
· Thus, people suspecting of H1N1 would be quarantined for 7 days because it usually takes about 7 days to see whether our immune system has successfully fight off the alienated bacteria. If yes, we will be negative from H1N1 or even some other flus. Otherwise, we would then be tested positive.
· Learning about this, we talked of ways to stay safe from the infectious H1N1.

c) The “Swapping” Game
· We recapped words we have learnt. Then, each kid chose 2 words to write on a paper each. Then, they were grouped in a team of 4 friends. Each person then put their mini flashcards in their bowls and turned them upsidedown. Next, they used their hands to swpped the 2 bowls. The other friends would have to watch carefully. Then, they would guess which bowl has got that particular word.