An ancient virus lies dormant under Antarctica's  polar ice caps. As global warming begins to melt the polar ice caps, the routes leading into Antarctica's waterways are becoming more accessible. As a result, the tourist industry begins to heavily promote vacation packages to Antarctica.  This proves to be very profitable for the tourist industry.

Roles:

Exploration Scientist-

You discover the ancient virus after a drilling expedition.

1. Draw a detailed illustration of the virus as it would appear under an electron microscope.

2. Note the size of the virus and label its parts.

3. Give the virus a name.

Use the websites below to help you.

Cells Alive

Virus Shapes

Cell Sizes

Viruses- Shapes and Sizes

Basic Parts of a Virus

Doctor

You have a small family practice on a South Shetland Island, which is off the coast of the Antarctica Pennisula. Usually business is quite slow. However, over the 2 weeks, you have 20 patients visit your office with the same peculiar symptoms. You prescribe antibiotics, but they do not work. You examine tissue samples under a compound microscope and notice cell damage, but cannot see bacteria or other foreign organisms. You decide that it must be a viral infection. Three of the patients died yesterday.

1. Describe the symptoms.

2. Make a list of five diseases that share at least one of the symptoms you observed.

Use the website below to help you.

Types of Viral and Bacterial Diseases

World Health Organization Statician-

You receive a phone call from a doctor who lives in a small town off the coast of Antarctica. The doctor informs you that there may be a viral epidemic on a South Shetland Island. You recall hearing about a scientist who recently discovered an ancient virus in the area. You take the call seriously and immediately begin to analyze the situation.

1. Use a world map to plot the outbreak. Identify the place of origin and the locations of where there are confirmed cases of the disease. Also, predict where the disease is headed next. Be sure to include a key.

2. Make a list of people who might of made contact with the virus so they can be tested.

3. Write a press release that informs the public how you plan to control the disease.

The following websites will be helpful:

WHO (World Health Organization)

Center for Disease Control

Travel to Antarctica

Virus Prevention

World Map

Travel Agent

Business was booming! You were making tons of money booking tours to Antarctica. Since the news of the virus, business has been horrible. Everyone is afraid to come to Antarctica. You decide to make a pamphlet to help calm people's fears about traveling to the continent.

Your pamphlet must include:

1. Interesting facts about Antarctica.

2. Ways to travel to Antarctica.

3. Ways to prevent catching or spreading the virus.

Facts About Antarctica

Travel to Antarctica

Center for Disease Control

Virus Prevention