Collaboration via Slime Mold

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In this highly collaborative activity, learners design and complete a controlled experiment which attempts to answer a simple question about the slime mold Physarum. Learners present their findings to the group, citing evidence of each other's work in their final report. Learners model scientific research in that their narrow area of research gives one fact of a complete picture of this organism. Learners also practice making agar plates. Adult supervision is recommended.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 7 days
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $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)

  • Physarum culture
  • Petri plates
  • Agar (must be non-nutrient)
  • Oatmeal (rolled flakes)
  • Scalpels
  • Water
  • Beakers
  • Hot plate(s)
  • Glucose or salt agar (optional)
  • pH indicator (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
      • Cell Metabolism
    • Diversity of Life
      • Protists and Fungi
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Acids and Bases
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

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

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Skinner, Peggy

Rights: