Incredible Flatworms micro-lesson

Sarah Sanchez Medrano

Do you struggle with balancing your kids’ screen time with their education? Say hello to 1Question, the app that solves this problem with a fun twist! Our app lets your child earn screen time minutes in their favourite apps by watching educational videos and correctly answering quiz questions. And the best part? You get to decide which apps to lock behind learning using 1Question.

Learning time

Kids learn by watching short, engaging video lessons.

The lesson is about the incredible flatworm. A flatworm can be split in half and will regenerate into two separate living worms. It can regrow new muscle, new skin, and new guts. It can even be split crosswise and regrow a new brain too. It can do this again and again. Scientists know that aging is linked to part of the DNA called telomeres. These are sections of DNA that cap the ends of chromosomes protecting them from damage and the loss of cell function over time. Shorter telomeres are thought to be an indicator of faster aging. Telomeres are maintained by an enzyme called telomerase. The flatworm version of this enzyme is greatly increased during regeneration. Another amazing thing about flatworms is that when bacteria that is deadly to humans such as Staphylococcus and tuberculosis, the flatworms could kill the bacteria in under 10 days. Flatworms have a gene called MORN2 that is activated and can kill bacteria deadly to humans and most other animals in just a couple days. Humans actually have this same gene but for some reason, it is not being activated in us and we need the help of medicine to kill harmful bacteria. But flatworms can kill most deadly bacteria all on their own.

Answer time

Kids earn more screen time by answering fun educational questions.

Here are some example of questions about this video that kids may be asked in the 1Question app to earn screen time.

Flatworms can kill bacteria that is deadly to humans.

1) Yes

2) No
Flatworms can kill deadly bacteria because of a gene called MORN2.

1) Yes

2) No
Flatworms can regrow entirely new brains after being cut in half

1) Yes

2) No
Telomerase enzymes prevent the harmful effects of ageing

1) Yes

2) No
Telomeres are maintained by an enzyme called telomerase.38

1) Yes

2) No
The Flatworm version of the telomerase enzyme is greatly increased during regeneration.

1) Yes

2) No

Recreational screen time

Kids can use the screen time minutes they earned to unlock the apps selected by their parent e.g. games, social media, streaming, etc.

Out of time

When screen time minutes run out, kids are locked out and need to complete more learning in 1Question to earn more time.

Meet your educator

Our micro-courses are developed and delivered by qualified educators from around the world.

Sarah Sanchez Medrano

Part time Instructional Designer, focusing on science curriculum and mental health curriculum. I work part time in order to have time to pursue my hobbies and ensure I live a healthy, happy life.

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