Lesson Plan

The Effects of Colloidal Silver on Microbial Growth: Investigating Snake Oil Science

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Can your classes solve the problem of the smelly sweat sock? Young scientists complete a lab investigation that begins by using electrochemistry to generate colloidal silver. They use their solutions to test the rate of microbial growth to prove or disprove claims that colloidal silver can inhibit microbial growth. Limit the microbial growth and smelly socks are no longer a problem!

8 Views 6 Downloads NGSS: Designed
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Use as an introduction to the scientific method
Classroom Considerations
  • Collect and prepare materials prior to introducing the activity
  • Review safety information for working with chemicals and electricity
Pros
  • Provides a detailed teaching guide to help plan the lesson
  • Includes a guide for pupils to follow during the laboratory lesson
Cons
  • None