We made these virus models to show how different viruses have very different structures. They are also different sizes ( our models are not to scale ) and infect different types of hosts.
At a very basic level each virus consists of genetic information in the form of either DNA or RNA surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid.
What you'll need
Play-doh or plasticine
Toothpicks, pipe cleaners, cotton buds - optional
Model each virus using the play-dough or plasticine, thinking about the shape and structure of the virus. Our viruses are not to scale. In reality, Ebola is much bigger than the others.
Playdough Virus Models
Ebola
Ebola is a highly contagious, zoonotic ( can be transmitted to humans from animals ) virus with a high death rate in humans.
Ebola is linear and has an RNA genome.
Two species of fruit bats are thought to be the hosts of the Ebola virus. It is then transmitted to animals when they eat food that has been in contact with bat faeces or saliva.
Ebola spreads among humans through contact with infected bodily fluids.
The first known outbreak of Ebola was in Africa in 1976. The biggest outbreak so far was in 2014, when the virus was seen in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. Around 11,000 people are thought to have died from the virus over the two year outbreak.
Symptoms of Ebola
Incubation period - 2-21 days
Fever, headache, weakness, nausea, and blood clots, which then cause bleeding into the surrounding tissue.
Ebola attacks every organ and tissue in the body.
Death within 8-17 days occurs in between 5 and 9 out of 10 people infected.
Extension Task - Find out about the Marburg Virus.
Suggested reading - The Hot Zone
Zika Virus
Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes. It's named after the Zika Forest in Uganda, where it was discovered.
Zika virus can cause Zika fever, which is usually a mild infection in healthy people. However, if a pregnant woman contracts Zika, it can lead to birth defects.
Outbreaks of Zika have occurred in South and Central America, the Caribbean, Africa and parts of Southeast Asia.
Symptoms of Zika virus
Rash
Itching
High temperature
Headache
Joint and muscle pain.
Coronavirus
A new type of coronavirus began spreading around the world at the end of 2019. COVID-19 causes flu-like symptoms and spreads via respiratory droplets that become airborne when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even just talks. Virus particles can also survive for a period of time on surfaces, so if you were to touch a surface where the virus is and then your nose, mouth or eyes, you could become infected.
Not everyone who comes into contact with COVID-19 shows symptoms, some are asymptomatic.
The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that started in 2019 is yet to be seen.
Symptoms of COVID-19
Cold symptoms - sore throat, runny nose, general congestion
Muscle pain
High temperature
Nausea
Fatigue
Loss of smell or taste
Headache
Adenovirus
Adenoviruses are viruses that affect membranes of the respiratory tract, eyes, intestines, urinary tract and nervous system. They cause illnesses such as croup, colds, pneumonia and bronchitis. Adenoviruses are usually highly contagious and can survive on surfaces and in airborne droplets.
Infections are usually mild, and symptoms depend on which part of the body is affected.
Adenovirus infection of the stomach and intestines causes stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Good hygiene is the best way to avoid adenovirus infections.
Last Updated on May 19, 2026 by Emma Vanstone
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