Chemical Methods of Control

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In this lab, learners evaluate the relative effectiveness of various chemical substances (i.e. garlic powder, bathroom cleaner, mouthwash, etc.) as antimicrobial agents. Learners use the agar diffusion method to determine "zones of inhibition." This lesson guide includes background information, questions for learners, and additional activity ideas.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
4 to 24 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per student
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Petri plates containing nutrient agar (2)
  • Sterile cotton swab
  • Forceps
  • Ruler
  • Disks (use a hole punch on filter paper)
  • Test substances: Garlic powder, chemical agents such as bathroom cleaner, floor cleaner, mouthwash, lens cleaner, acne cleaner. Bring your own.
  • Staphylococcus epidermis (Gram-positive)
  • Escherichia coli (Gram-negative)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
    • Diversity of Life
      • Viruses and Bacteria
    • Human Body
      • Health and Nutrition
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Slowiczek, Ed.D., Fran ; Peters, Ph.D., Pamela M.

Rights: