What are microorganisms? Bacteria?

Microorganisms are tiny living things that you can’t see without a special magnifying glass called a microscope.

Imagine you have a super small friend who lives on your skin, so small, they could fit inside a grain of sand. These friends are called bacteria, and they're one kind of microorganism.

Like a Tiny Chef in Your Body

Some bacteria are like tiny chefs working inside your body. They help you digest food and even make certain vitamins that your body needs to stay healthy. Others can be mischievous, if you eat something spoiled, it might be because bacteria multiplied and made it smelly or fizzy.

Bacteria Everywhere

You find bacteria everywhere: on your hands, in the soil, in your mouth, and even in your favorite snack. They're like invisible helpers that are always around you, doing their work without you noticing. Some of them make you sick, but others are there to help you stay strong and healthy.

So next time you eat a yogurt or brush your teeth, remember, tiny bacteria might be hard at work!

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Examples

  1. A bacterium is like a tiny person who lives on your skin and helps you digest food.
  2. Bacteria can make you sick, like when you get a stomach bug from eating spoiled food.
  3. Some bacteria are good, they help you breathe by living in your lungs.

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