Investigating the Uses of Backyard Bacteria

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The purpose of this lab is to recognize that the answers to some of society's industrial challenges may lie right in our own backyards. Learners discover how to select protein-digesting bacteria from various soil samples. After isolating the colonies, learners are then encouraged to investigate ways to test the effectiveness of their specimens in breaking down protein stains on clothing. This activity demonstrates how bacteria with specific enzymatic capabilities can be isolated with a simple microbiology technique. Adult supervision recommended.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
1 to 2 hours
Learning Time:
1 to 7 days
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 14 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • autoclave (if not available, see alternative lab preparation)
  • 30g nutrient agar
  • 1 L flask
  • 1 L distilled water
  • 1 box "Parmalat" brand skim milk ("Parmalat" is basically sterile, can be found on grocery store shelves)
  • nonabsorbent cotton
  • magnetic stirrer
  • sterilized Petri dishes
  • stirring plate
  • balances
  • Bunsen burners
  • 95% ethanol
  • spreading rods
  • 3 sterile 1mL pipettes
  • 3 sterile test tubes with nonabsorbent cotton plugs
  • 3 sterile jars
  • sterile water
  • tape
  • three samples of soil collected from different environments (a meadow, a wooded lot, etc.)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Viruses and Bacteria
    • Ecology
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes assesments for student learning:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Brako, Elisa

Rights: