How to Survive the Common Cold

Science/Writing

The way people handle the aggravating, but potentially dangerous, common cold has produced many home remedies and approaches. In this activity students will identify symptoms in the stages of a common cold and then create a booklet about surviving the common cold.

WHAT YOU NEED

• Lined writing paper
• Pen or pencil
• 8 1/2" by 14" or larger paper
• 8 1/2" by 14" or larger oaktag
• Markers or crayons

WHAT TO DO

1. Have students choose a partner and write a step-by-step description of what they experience when they have a cold. You may wish to use the following structure to help students with their descriptions.
   • Identify and chart possible first symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, cough).
   • List equipment, products or remedies used to alleviate the first symptoms (tissues, lozenges, cough syrup, extra vitamin C, bed rest).
   • List any second-stage symptoms as a cold worsens (headache, coughing up mucous) and jot down what remedies they use for these (aspirin, Tylenol, heating pad for the chest, hot drinks, bed rest, extra sleep).
   • List what happens when their cold does not get better and requires a visit to the doctor (fever, chest pain, wheezing, coughing up dark mucous, a "rubber band" sound in the lower back on each breath).

2. Have each group of students use their list to create a "How to Survive the Common Cold" booklet. Encourage them to illustrate the important parts.