Apples prepared for growing mold and bacteria.
Learning About Microorganisms Using Apples
Our first class of the 2013-2014 season will feature experiments geared to teach Catamount Kids about bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms.
The homework lesson where the kids prepared apples kept in various liquids will be used to do an experiment to find out if any of the liquids help prevent the apple from being spoiled by mold and bacterial growth.
Catamount Kids were divided into one of four groups: Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Salt Water, and Air. One week before class meets, each student should prepare an apple sample by cutting the apple and placing a piece into a specimen cup. Then fill the cup with the liquid in your assigned group, or leave the apple exposed to air if you’re in the air group.
Learning About Microorganisms Using Bacterial Cultures
Bacterial Cultures from The Science Center
We will also be doing a really cool activity in class. We will be conducting Gram Staining of various bacterial cultures to learn which bacteria are Gram Positive, and which bacteria are Gram Negative. One week before our class, I have prepared several samples of cultures taken from various locations around The Science Center: bathroom sink, laboratory door handle, cell phone, computer keyboard, and main hallway floor.
During class, we will prepare slides of heat-fixed bacteria, and then subject the slides to the Gram Staining procedure.
Gram Staining is a useful technique that differentiates Gram Positive bacteria from Gram Negative bacteria. Doctors can use this information to help pinpoint the identity of bacterial specimens, and to help decide what antibiotics may be effective for treating various bacterial infections.
To learn more about Gram Staining, check out the Wikipedia article on Gram Staining. There is also a very good two-part video series on You Tube that shows Gram Staining, and describes the difference between Gram Positive bacteria and Gram Negative bacteria. Click Here to see Part 1 of the video. Click Here to see Part 2 of the video.
If you have any questions or comments about the upcoming Catamount Kids session, don’t hesitate to send me a note using our Contact Form! Sincerely,
Dr. H.
Catamount Kids – small scientists, BIG SCIENCE!