This syllabus begins with a list of program objectives and performance criteria for seven general topic areas related to the study of microorganisms and a list of 23 science processes. Following this information, concepts and understandings for subtopics within the general topic areas are listed as follows: (1) introduction; (2) the cell (basic structure, reproduction of plant/animal cells, cell and continuity of life, cellular biology); (3) the microscopic world (simple/compound microscopes, microscopic techniques, observation of pond water, bacteria, viruses); (4) techniques of isolating and culturing microbes (culturing bacteria, cultivation of viruses); (5) microbes and disease (difinition of disease, diseases in animals); (6) activities of non-pathogenic microbes (soil, sewage treatment, foods); and (7) control of undesirable microbes (sterilization, disinfection, preparation and storage of food, checks on product quality). Questions and activities corresponding to these concepts and understandings are keyed to a list of science activities presented in an appendix. These activites are also keyed to one or more of the processes listed at the beginning of the syllabus. Instructions for conducting the activities are also provided in the appendix. (JN)