Curated OER
Growing bacteria
Students investigate the growth of bacteria under the right condition. In this biology lesson plan, students observe the growth of bacteria and fungi given the perfect condition to grow. They graph the result and investigate where else...
Curated OER
The Effects of Over Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation on the Growth of Plants and Bacteria
Students investigate the effects of UV light and ozone on plant and bacteria growth. In this ultraviolet light and ozone lesson plan, students grow bean and mustard greens to study the effects of UV light and ozone on the plant growth....
Curated OER
DNA Transformation of Bacteria - Red Colony
Learners perform experiments with bacteria. They discover that genes can be transferred from one bacteria to another on the plasmid by a transformation. Over a two day period, students follow detailed instructions in order to observe...
Curated OER
Science: Conditions for Slime Mold Survival
Young scholars perform experiments to determine the nutritional needs and physical space requirements for slime mold to survive. After formulating hypotheses, they seal the petri dishes and set up the experiment along with two controls....
Curated OER
Predicting the Growth of Microorganisms
Students determine where microorganisms might be found around their school. In this scientific investigation lesson, students collect cultures from various locations and place these in petri dishes. They incubate the cultures to see if...
Curated OER
Just Because You Cannot See It... Doesn't Mean It's Not There
Students discover bacteria which is around them by using agar over three days. In this biology lesson plan, students predict what they will see over the three days and then take photographs of what is actually shown. Finally, students...
Curated OER
Mutations--Preexisting or Acquired?
Students explore the reasoning and experimental approaches to mutations. They expose a culture of E. coli to virulent bacteriophage and observe whether mutations of the cells existed previously or if the bacteria mutated as a response...
Curated OER
Demonstrating an Epidemic
Young scholars use an experiment that allows them to experience a small scale "epidemic", demonstrating the ease with which disease organisms are spread. Students determine the originator of the epidemic. They transfer live bacteria by...
Curated OER
Simulation of Irradiation
In this irradiation worksheet, students simulate the effects of irradiation on bacteria growth by using UV light. Then students complete 6 short answer questions.
Curated OER
DNA Transformation of Bacteria-Ampicillin
Students demonstrate how genes can be transferred from one bacteria to another. In this experiment, they take a plasmid with a gene for resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin which is used to transfer the resistance gene into a...
Curated OER
Investigating the Uses of Backyard Bacteria
Students discover that the answers to some of society's waste and clean-up problems may be no further than the soil beneath their feet. They perform a Gram stain on the colonies to determine some of their characteristics.
Curated OER
Palm Use in Biology
Students view bacteria through a microscope. They draw and label the bacteria using microbiology software loaded onto their Palms.
Curated OER
Ecology of the Dump
Students recreate landfills in petri dishes, observe relative biodegradability in a year-long project, and isolate a cellulose degrading bacteria while discovering the need for recycling and the serious problem waste management has...
Curated OER
Black Death Biology
Students in pairs explore the transmission of the Plague, through experimentation. Cooperative groups use the scientific method to solve the fictional problem of a bacteria spreading in the Amazon. Groups also create a vector to visually...
Nuffield Foundation
Investigating Anti-Microbial Action
Join the fight against bacteria. An open investigation shows pupils different aspects of antimicrobial substances, such as disinfectants, deodorants, or plant oils. They design and conduct their own experiments on the effectiveness of...
Curated OER
Dirt Life
Students select and collect soil samples from a variety of locations (schoolyard, home, etc.). They do this lab after an interest-generating discussion about "dirt" and microbes. Students make a dilution in sterile water, plate it on a...
Curated OER
The Nature and Science of Technology
Fifth graders practice using the scientific method by observing and creating mold. In this bacteria lesson, 5th graders experiment creating their own mold and fungus using petri dishes and oatmeal. Students create an information table...
Curated OER
Multiplying Microbes
Middle schoolers examine environmental conditions that effect bacteria growth. They culture bacteria, design and conduct an experiment, and identify the conditions that effected the bacteria growth using the scientific method.
Curated OER
Active Ingredient Screening Test for Plants
Students determine if various plant materials contain active ingredients which will inhibit the growth of bacteria. They identify plant materials and their degree of sensitivity.
Curated OER
Selecting Soil Organisms in Compost
Students conduct an experiment to demonstrate that many of the enzyme systems needed to break down society's wastes exist in nature among the decomposers in a compost pile. They culture compost bacteria on starch agar to examine the...
Curated OER
Determining the Effectiveness of Handwashing
Students participate in an experiment in which they grow bacterial colonies. They examine the effects of antibiotics killing the germs. They discuss their findings to end the lesson.
University of Minnesota
C. elegans and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life
Introduce the topic of astrobiology in a unit that's out of this world. Biology scholars examine the search for extraterrestrial life by culturing roundworms, a species that has been key in helping researchers understand the challenges...
Curated OER
Funky Fungus
Students discuss decomposition, bacteria, fungi and other microscopic organisms. They participate in an experiment to grow fungus on bread. As the fungus colonies grow, students observe them under a microscope to identify and locate...
Curated OER
Funky Fomites and Aseptic Microbiology Techniques for Bacterial Isolation
Students listen to a lecture on the purpose of practicing aseptic technique as well as an explanation of how to practice them. They practice aseptic technique by plating bacteria in order to isolate individual colonies of bacteria. They...