Penicillin Timeline Scroll

Written By Katherine Korkidis

Introduction:

Penicillin’s story did not end with Fleming. Scientists like Florey and Chain turned his discovery into a life-saving medicine used during World War II. This activity helps children sequence key moments in penicillin’s history and visualize the impact of medical science over time.

What You Will Need:

  • Long roll of paper or taped-together sheets

  • Markers and rulers

  • Printable event cards (or hand-written dates)

  • Tape or glue

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  • Review Fleming’s timeline: 1928 discovery, WWII use, 1945 Nobel Prize.

  • Add earlier events (like WWI hospital work) and later impacts (antibiotics today).

  • Draw or glue pictures next to each date to help illustrate the events.

  • Add famous quotes from scientists or doctors from that era.

  • Display your timeline scroll along a classroom wall or table.

What to Look For:

  • Are the events in the correct order?

  • Did you include visual elements like drawings or photos?

  • Can your timeline teach others who were not part of the activity?

Fun Fact:

The first patients treated with penicillin were soldiers in World War II suffering from serious infections.

Safety Tip:

Use blunt scissors for cutting and safe adhesives if working in groups.

Journaling Prompt:

Pick one event on your timeline and write a diary entry from the point of view of someone living in that moment.

Katherine Korkidis
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Thank You, Dr. Fleming
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Accidental Discoveries