Microbiology Teacher Resources

Winogradsky columns are ideal for observing the role of bacteria and other microorganisms in an ecosystem. This student activity guide is complete with data tables for observations and analysis questions for processing what was observed....

Students select and collect soil samples from a variety of locations (schoolyard, home, etc.). They do this lab after an interest-generating discussion about "dirt" and microbes. Students make a dilution in sterile water, plate it on a...

Students isolate three species of bacteria using the plate streak method, implement sterile microbiology techniques, and produce pure cultures of each microorganism at the end of this exercise. They write a descriptive paragraph for each...

Students investigate these fundamental chemical and cellular processes. They recognize the long-term danger that comes from a diet of fast food, chips, and soda, realize that avoiding diabetes is their responsibility, and establish...

Students use easily obtained materials to study ecological succession in a microbiological community. This investigation is appropriate for a variety of age groups. Elementary Students be fascinated by the changes occurring over time...

Substances that decompose with the help of living organisms do so at different rates. Scholars experiment with Winogradsky columns to determine the rate of decomposition, the oxygen and sulfide content changes, and bacteria levels. The...

Young scholars explore the relevance of water quality monitoring in relation to a local wetland ecosystem. They conduct standard water quality tests using wet tests and CBL calculators and probes. Student record and interpret the results.

Students are inroduced to a commonly used microbial culturing technique. They explore the role of microorganisms in determining the shelf-life of food products.

Administrators encourage students to take as much English, Science and Math as they can. They encourage students to take the most advanced classes they can. They help students find opportunities to explore medical careers through...

Pupils use easily obtained materials to study ecological succession in a microbiological community. They collect water samples from outdoor sources in plastic bottles to observe and record changes.

Students become familiar with microbiology and biotechnology laboratory techniques and observe the results of antibiotic resistance transfer from one bacteria to another via conjugation. They then calculate the "mating efficiency" by...

Students investigate pond ecology. They gather water samples from various sources, add grass, and let it sit for a week. Afterward, using microscopes, they identify the microorganisms present in the sample.

Build up your gut. Groups up to four play a card game to learn more about the microbiome in the gut. Learners try to build a healthy gut with their cards. The player acquiring six microbes without any pathogens wins the game. 

Learners study yeasts or cellular respiration in this inquiry activity. They examine different types of bread to show which rise or do not. They measure the amount of carbon dioxide released by the yeasts when using different sweeteners.

Students listen to a lecture on four factors that influence microbial growth and they discuss how to test the optimal growth requirements of a designated bacterium. They design and carry out laboratory investigations to test growth of...

Students read documentation about microorganisms in agriculture and share what they've read with partners. They taste samples of yogurt and describe the yogurt making process. They experiment with fermenting milk to recreate the yogurt...

Students are given a two week period to put to use the knowledge they have gained while studying bacteria. As a culminating activity, students each receive three unknown bacteria to identify.

Students extract DNA from their own hair roots. They run an electrophoresis gel to examine patterns of their DNA along with standard DNA. The experiment is based on a crime scene scenario.

Fixin' to add a great resource to your plans? Scholars perform an experiment to investigate nitrogen-fixing bacteria from plant roots. Along the way, they learn about the concepts of symbiosis and mutualism.

Ever wonder how they solve those mysterious murders in TV crime dramas? The second of four units in a Biotechnology series introduces scholars to the many methods of DNA analysis. Pupils create and run their own gel electrophoresis...

More than 90 percent of the people in a building have come down with an illness, and it is your job to investigate. Teachers give scientists the data needed to decide what is important and how they can solve the mystery. The exercise is...

What's the future of biotechnology? Explore a hot topic in the fourth and final unit in a series of Biotechnology lessons. Learners develop an understanding of the many issues in bioethics, then create an argument for or against the role...

Yuck, does my deodorant kill that? To test whether deodorant is anti-bacterial, class members use petri dishes to grow control bacteria and bacteria from sweat, and then compare them to see if deodorant effects the growth. 

Students work together to complete an experiment making yogurt. They test different temperatures and different amount of ingredients. They record and analyze their data.