KS4-5: How does our immune system work?

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Suitable for 11-18-year olds (secondary and high schools, and college), this article and accompanying activity sheet can be used in the classroom, biology/STEM clubs and at home.

This resource links to KS4 and KS5 biology, It is also internationally relevant.

It can also be used as a careers resource and links to Gatsby Benchmarks:
Gatsby Benchmark 2: Learning from career and labour market information
Gatsby Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers

The article explains how our immune system works and whether scientists can harness it to help people age without illness. There is also an interview with immunologist Prof Deborah Dunn-Walters, who talks about her career path and opportunities in immunology.

The activity sheet includes discussion points - seven questions the students can answer in groups or individually. There are also links to relevant educational activities such as learning more about smallpox.

This resource was first published on Futurum Careers, a free online resource and magazine aimed at encouraging 14-19-year-olds worldwide to pursue careers in science, tech, engineering, maths, medicine (STEM) and social sciences, humanities and the arts for people and the economy (SHAPE).

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