NARRATOR: It wasn鈥檛 until someone invented the microscope in the 18th century that people could start looking at very, very tiny things known as microorganisms.
They discovered that there is a whole world of tiny creatures called viruses and bacteria. Often we call them germs. Sometimes germs can make us un well but we do need some germs to keep us healthy.
Without them, we wouldn鈥檛 be able to digest food. They鈥檙e inside us and all around us. In fact, if they weren鈥檛 in the soil food wouldn鈥檛 be able to grow.
Microorganisms may be tiny but they play a very big role on planet Earth.
Microorganisms
Microorganisms are tiny. They are so small they can only be seen with a microscope. Yeast is a helpful microorganism which makes bread rise. Bacteria is a microorganism which breaks down plants into nutrients.
Microorganisms are also known as 'germs'. Harmful germs can make us unwell. Good hygiene will avoid spreading these germs. Use soap and hot water to wash your hands after preparing food or using the toilet. This will kill bacteria.
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