On the Microbe Trail: An Introduction to Bacteria and Aseptic Technique

In this series of exercises, learners predict the conditions necessary for bacterial growth, test their predictions and at the same time practice the aseptic techniques and safety procedures needed when working with bacteria. In the first exercise, learners' prior knowledge of bacteria is determined including the conditions they believe necessary for bacterial growth. Armed with petri dish and cotton swabs, learners obtain samples from the places at their site with these conditions. Learners discover how to prepare their lab areas for microbiology work, pour and swab plates, and seal, label and store plates.