Chapter 2

2 Ding! Ding! Ding! Mr. Eng rang the bell on his desk. The students settled down. But a hum of excitement still vibrated throughout the classroom. "Okay, class," he began. "We're starting a new unit this week. We'll be learning about different kinds of germs." Aria, a student sitting near Pablo and Violet, shivered in her seat.

"I don't like germs," Aria said. Mr. Eng smiled. "Some germs are icky and can make us sick. But did you know there are a lot of good germs, too?" Before Violet could agree, she let out another loud sneeze. "Achooooooo!" "Bless you!" said Pablo. Mr. Eng squinted his eyes and paused before picking up a pile of worksheets from his desk. "Today we're going to learn about three types of germs: bacteria, viruses, and fungi."

Pablo raised his hand. "Fung-what?" "FUN-guy," Mr. Eng repeated slowly. "Let's head over to the Science Space and get started." He pointed to the back of the classroom with his pencil. "Please sit in groups of three." "This is the most beautiful microscope ever!" said Violet as she took her seat at one of the round tables. "Yeah, and it's red!" added Pablo. Red was their favorite color. "Can Aria join your group?" Mr. Eng asked. "She is a little unsure about germs. Maybe you can help her out?" "Sure!" said Violet and Pablo together. Aria slowly took a seat next to Pablo. She watched Violet rub her nose with her sleeve. "You sure you're not sick?" Aria asked. Violet smiled. "Oh, I'm fine. My nose just itches. My allergies always bother me in the fall," she said, looking outside. The trees were covered with orange and red leaves. Then Violet read the handout:

Getting Germy Bacteria are everywhere. Even on your skin! They're made up of just one cell. Some cause infections, but some types of bacteria are good for us! Viruses need to be inside another living thing to grow. Viruses are very, very small. The flu is caused by a virus. Most fungi are made up of many cells. They get their nutrients from other living things. When they grow on us, they can cause rashes. But many are harmless! Mr. Eng waved his pencil in the air. "Okay, class. Let's go over the handout."

Violet knew she should be paying attention. This was stuff she needed to know to run her disease-destroying lab-oratory. But the microscope was just too cool! She couldn't resist. Violet leaned over the table and took a peek. No way, she thought. Violet tapped Pablo on the shoulder. "It's a riddle!" she whispered. "Where?" he asked. "In the microscope!" Violet replied. Pablo leaned over to have a look.

"What's going on?" asked Aria quietly. But Pablo didn't hear her. "Whoa! You're right!" he said. He read the tiny riddle in a hushed voice: