Incubator (growing cultures) - Joshua Junkermeier

NGSS STANDARDS (performance expectations):

  • HS-LS1-1: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

  • HS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.

  • HS-LS1-3: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.

SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PRACTICES:

  • planning and carrying out investigation

  • analyzing and interpreting data

  • engaging in argument from evidence

  • obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

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Part 1: making the agar plates

Part 2: Planning the independent variable (data source location)

Part 3: Inoculating the Petri Dish

  • Students swab a "pathogenic surface" and inoculate their petri-dish

  • Instructions on collecting a "pathogen" from a surface and inoculation.

insert ppt made for students.

  • Setting up the Incubator:

  1. temperature should be: 20°-37°C (caution: temperature's above 30°C may yield human-pathogenic microbes)

  2. Place Thermometer into Incubator:Additional Steps to ensure petri-dish safety and microbial growth

Part 4: Observing Results (species ID, colony # estimates)

  • Collecting Data and Species Identification

  • Form: submitting estimates for species present and colony number

Part 5: Optional activities for closure of this "pathogen lab"

  • Argumentation Activity: students use "talk moves" to engage in an argument around a relevant topic or problem:

  1. Problem: "How should the data be used?"

  2. Problem: "Does this school have a pathogen problem?"

  3. Problem: "are the Eukaryotic or Prokaryotic Cells a bigger concern?"

talk moves for quality di...scientific discourse.pptx

  • Experimental Error Analysis and Problem Solving

    1. Engage in argument

    2. (insert powerpoint slides for argument here)