This is a fairly simple lab that could be great for middle school science class! With a few of our laboratory products on hand, this project is informative and interesting for your students, all while staying in your budget!
Growing bacteria is a great biology experiment for your students, and for a hands-on approach, divide students into groups for this project. Watch invisible bacteria from ordinary surfaces transform into visible bacterial growth!
Your first step should be gathering all the materials necessary for this experiment. You will need clear petri dishes, disposable cotton swabs, stirring rods, protective safety gloves, water, agar nutrient, and a container for boiling water. Always be sure to monitor your students during any laboratory activity.
After donning your safety gloves, which will not only limit your exposure to bacteria but prevent contamination of your sample, you are ready to begin. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of agar with 1/4 cup hot water in your microwave-safe container and stir with a stirring rod. Bring this mixture to a boil for one minute, making sure that all of the agar has dissolved. Now, set this mixture aside to let cool for several minutes.
Now, carefully pour the agar solution into the petri dish, dispensing the solution evenly. Cover the petri dish loosely with the lid while allowing to harden for an hour or more.
Once the agar solution has hardened, it's time to collect some bacteria! Using your disposable cotton swab, find a source to collect bacteria from. This could be found in many places, such as the inside of your cheek, or the computer keyboard. For the best results, lightly dampen the end of the cotton swab before swabbing your desired collection spot. Once your have swabbed your desired surface, lightly rub the gelled agar with the cotton swab to transfer the bacteria into the petri dish.
Monitor the growth of the bacteria in the petri dish. You should start seeing some mold, fungi and bacteria within a few days. Do your findings support or reject your hypothesis? How does this effect your ideas about ordinary surfaces you touch many times a day?
This biology lab can be a good place to introduce your students to new concepts in biology, and allows them to form hypotheses and draw conclusions. The project can help you to reinforce the scientific method to your students, while allowing them a hands-on experience. It can also be a great reminder to your students to always wash your hands!
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