HOW DIRTY IS THIS SCHOOL?

OBJECTIVE: Students will investigate the growth of microbial cells within

the school environment.

PROCEDURE:
- First, each team will choose, with teacher approval, a location where you would like to collect specimen. Some suggestions include: laboratory, industrial-arts shop, auditorium, gymnasium, lunchroom, restroom, etc. - The team must then decide if they want to test for bacteria in the air (AIR) or bacteria on the surface (SWAB). Follow corresponding directions below. - Label the petri dish as directed with team number, period, location, and air or swab.

AIR- Caution: do NOT remove the cover from the petri dish until
directed to do so! 1. Each team will trap a sample of microorganisms from the air. This is done by exposing to the air a sterile petri dish containing nutrient agar. 2. Once you have placed the plate in its location, remove the cover and expose the agar to the air for exactly six minutes (use a timer!).

3. Replace the cover and return the dish to the laboratory. Turn it upside-down, this will prevent condensation from dripping on growing colonies. 4. Place in incubator.

SWAB- Use technique demonstrated! If you need to be shown again just

ask. 1. At your selected location, wipe down selected area with all edges of a cotton swab. 2. Use that swab to then gently and quickly cover as much of the agar as possible. 3. Replace the cover and return the dish to the laboratory. Turn it upside-down, this will prevent condensation from dripping on growing colonies. 4. Place in incubator.

3-4 DAYS LATER

1. Make a sketch of your plate. 2. Record as much information as possible: appearance, color, texture, size, colonies, dispersal, etc. 3. Estimate percentage of plate covered with bacteria, and percentage covered with mold. 4. Count the different kinds of colonies of the bacteria and the mold.

ANALYSIS
1. How did the exposed and swab plates differ? 2. According to the data collected by the class, which location had the largest population of microorganisms? Does this surprise you? 3. Which location had the smallest population of microorganisms? 4. Did the location with the largest population of microorganisms also have the largest number of different kinds, as indicated by macroscopic appearance of colonies?

DISCUSSION
5. Where would you be more likely to pick up the microorganisms of disease in an environment with large populations of a few kinds of microorganisms or in an environment with small populations of many different kinds? Explain. 6. How accurate do you think the results of this experiment are? What may have been some sources of experimental error? 7. How do you think the temperature at which the plates are incubated and the type of agar affects the growth of bacteria on the plates? 8. Were you surprised by any of the classs results? 9. Do you think there would be a difference in the plates in 1st hour vs. the plates in 7th hour?

10.

We use Purell and hand soap to kill these microorganisms on our

hands. Can you think of any other materials or products that may inhibit bacterial growth, other than cleaning products? 11. Do you think the use of anti-microbial products affects our

immune system? Why or why not? 12. What is anti-biotic resistance and what implications does it have

for the future?