Salty Pits

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In this activity, learners explore how different deodorants work. Learners treat agar plates with different types of deodorants and compare the bacteria growth on the plates to the control sample.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
1 to 2 hours
Learning Time:
1 to 7 days
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per student
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Deodorants – use a non-antiperspirant variety such as Crystal Body Deodorant spray. Ideally, find a liquid form like a spray or a roll-on.
  • Cotton swabs
  • Nutrient agar or bactoagar
  • Distilled water
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Petri dishes - 6cm diameter work well
  • Bacteria sample for a control
  • A sweaty friend (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Viruses and Bacteria
    • Human Body
      • Muscles and Skin
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Yu, Julie

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Julie Yu, Exploratorium, 2007

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0610238
  • National Science Foundation, 0925383