Students do a controlled experiment to culture microbes living on items they collected outside.
Students will be able to: explain what a fair test is and why scientists use controlled experiments, develop the habit of using their journal for recording observations and questions, relate experimental evidence back to their predictions and give possible reasons for the outcomes, understand that microbes grow on their food source causing decomposition as they consume it
Session 1
For the class:
- newsprint sheets for class lists
- 1-2 3 oz. boxes of flavored Jello (lemon, lime or orange)
- bowl
- spoon
- boiling water
- paper towels
-measuring cup
For each pair of students:
- 3 petri dishes or other clear containers with flat bottoms and covers
-clear tape
- masking tape
Session 2
For each pair of students:
- 2 hand lenses
Sessions 3-5
For each pair of students:
- 2 hand lenses
- copy of "Science Fair Story #1"
-copy of "Science Fair Story #2"
See Lesson Resources below for further details.
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies | Millbrook, New York 12545 | Tel (845) 677-5343