Bacteriology is the study of microscopic living things called bacteria. Scientists are learning more about how to promote the growth of good bacteria and fight bad ones to improve our health. Additionally, bacteria are used in various industries to produce useful compounds.

Although we can't always see them, microorganisms are present in almost all environments. Many can be grown in the laboratory on plates containing a solid, nutrient-rich medium (agar plates). After several days, a single bacterial cell grows into a population of bacterial cells that is visible to the naked eye. This population of cells is called a microbial colony. In this exercise we will test for the presence of microorganisms on our hands and on objects we are in contact with.

What kinds of microorganisms live on your hands and the things you touch every day? They are too small to see. But you can grow them on a nutrient plate until they form visible clusters called colonies.

You press your fingers or everyday objects onto a sterile agar plate. Try pennies or keys or pens. Seal the plate and leave it at room temperature for several days.

After colonies appear, you stain a sample and view it under a microscope. Some colonies from different objects look alike. Others look very different. The variety shows just how many microorganisms surround you.

 MICROORGANISMS EVERYWHERE

Although we can’t always see them, microorganisms are present in almost all
environments. Many can be grown in the laboratory on plates containing a solid,
nutrient-rich medium (agar plates). After several days, a single bacterial
cell grows into a population of bacterial cells that is visible to the naked
eye. This population of cells is called a microbial colony. In this exercise we
will test for the presence of microorganisms on our hands and on objects we are
in contact with.
 
Materials

- Sterile agar plates (1 per student)
- Objects of your choice to test for the presence of microorganisms: a penny, keys, pens, etc.
- Q-tips (to get bacteria from teeth, sandwiches, fruit juice, etc.)
- Toothpicks

 
PROCEDURE (WEEK 1)

 1. Get an agar plate and label it on the bottom with your name and the date and
the objects that you are going to test for microorganisms. This agar plate is
sterile – it has been heated and no bacteria are on it. Try

dividing your plate into sections by drawing lines on the bottom of the plate
(on the outside) and trying different objects in each section.

 

2. Open the cover of the plate and gently press your object on the surface of
the agar. Be careful not to press too hard – you don’t want to press through the
agar. Make sure to label what object you used in each section. If you want to
try testing food, drinks, your teeth, etc., then wet the Q-tip with the object,
and then rub the Q-tip on the surface of the agar. You can also use a toothpick.


3. Cover the plate as soon as you remove your object or the Q-top or the
toothpick. You want to have the lid open for as little time as possible
so microorganisms from the air do not fall on the plate. Your plate will be left
at room temporate for a couple of days so any bacteria that are present can grow
into colonies. After colonies appear, the instructor will keep it at 4oC inthe
refrigerator until the next class.
 
PROCEDURE (Week 2) 

1. Record what happened on your plate.

1.1. Sketch your plate. Label your drawing so that you know what objects  the colonies came from.

1.2. Record size, color, texture, and shape of colonies.

 

2. Prepare samples of the microorganisms on your plate by using the methyl blue
staining method.

2.1. Place a few drops of stain on the slide.

2.2. Use a toothpick to smear some of the bacteria from one colony on  the slide and mix it into the stain. You should take only enough bacteria to cover the tip of a toothpick – definitely not more! If you take too many cells, you won’t be able to see them clearly under the microscope.

2.3. Carefully place the cover slip over the bacteria.
 

3. For each sample, examine it under the microscope and draw the bacteria. You will need to use the highest magnification on the microscope to see the
bacteria. Make sure you record which colony it came from. If you find a
well-stained sample, take it to the videomicroscope so that everyone can see it.

 
4. On your plate, you used many different objects to grow bacteria. Do some of
the bacterial colonies look similar? If so, why do you think this is?

 5. If some bacterial colonies look very different from one another, why do you
think this is?

 

 

Microorganisms on Hands and Objects

How much bacteria do our hands contain?

<h1><strong>1000 Science Fair Project Ideas by Subject</strong></h1><p>Looking for a science fair project idea? Each of our science fair project idea has complete instructions with video. Get ideas for your science projects, find extra resources for your class' scientific projects, or try a fun experiment at home! It doesn't matter what grade you're in, there's something for everyone!</p><p>You can find your perfect science fair project from the different science subjects below or from our <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/category0.html#bottom">science fair project idea lists!</a></p>

<h2>Science Fair Project Idea Lists</h2><p>Looking for other ways to find good ideas for science fair projects? Check out these lists of science projects!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>Easy Science Fair Projects</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/176_popular 2 (2).png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Explore the exciting world of science with an easy science fair project that you can do at home using simple materials. Any one of these easy project ideas will teach you important scientific concepts and help you have fun while learning. An easy science fair project is a great way to introduce the wonders of science to kids and adults alike!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><ul><li><p>Changing the Color of Flowers</p></li><li><p>Baking Soda Volcano</p></li><li><p>Swimming Raisins</p></li><li><p>Egg in Vinegar</p></li><li><p>Color of Skittles Experiment</p></li><li><p>Jumping Rice Krispies</p></li><li><p>Mixing Colors of Light</p></li><li><p>Camouflage and Hide</p></li><li><p>Light and Dark on Seed Germination</p></li><li><p>Make a Parachute</p></li></ul><p>More science project details at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/12">Easy Science Fair Projects <strong>→</strong></a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>The Top 10 Best Science Fair Projects</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/177_popular 2 (3).png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">To find the best science fair project for you, we've picked the best science projects from 10 different science categories, all with very interesting topics. If you're looking for more science projects at another difficulty level or topic, you can explore science fair project ideas by grade level at the top of this page!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><ul><li><p>Jet Lag in Hamsters (circadian rhythm, Biology science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Egg with Vinegar (acid-base reaction, Chemistry science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Galileo's Inclined Plane Experiment (acceleration, Physics science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Plant's Favorite Color for Photosynthesis (Photosynthesis, Botany science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Color and Taste (color perception, Psychology science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Does Dog Saliva Kill Bacteria? (antibacterial, Microbiology science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Decomposing Plastic Spoons (biodegradable materials, Environmental Science science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Super Hero Egg Shells (structural engineering, Engineering science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Music Math: Playing Notes with Equations (music, Math science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Temperature's Effect on Seawater (climate change, Earth Science science fair project)</p></li></ul><p>More science project details at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/13">Best Science Fair Projects <strong>→</strong></a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>Cool Science Fair Projects</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/178_popular 2.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Get ready to be amazed by super cool science projects that you can do right at home! With just a few simple things, you can be fascinated by science and have tons of fun with these popular science projects!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><ul><li><p>Explosive Elephant Toothpaste</p></li><li><p>Egg in Vinegar</p></li><li><p>Electrifying Lemon Battery</p></li><li><p>Making Oobleck: Liquid or Solid?</p></li><li><p>Egg Drop Project</p></li><li><p>Colors of Skittles Experiment</p></li><li><p>Cloud in a Bottle</p></li><li><p>Baking Soda Volcano</p></li><li><p>Egg in a Bottle</p></li><li><p>Plastic Milk</p></li></ul><p>Project details and more cool science projects at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/1/Popular_Science_Experiments_At_Home">Popular Science Fair Projects <strong>→</strong></a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>One-Day Science Fair Project Ideas</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/172_popular 2 (1).png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Quick experiments can be a great option for a science fair project. In this list, we've highlighted one-day science fair project ideas for elementary school (easy), middle school (medium), or high school (hard). These experiments are fast and easy to do, but the science topic packs a punch!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h4>Acid-base reactions: Mixing acids with bases quickly makes carbon dioxide gas!</h4><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project830.html"><strong>Rocket Film Canisters (easy) </strong></a>Make a rocket fly sky high with just baking soda and vinegar!</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project829.html"><strong>Make Your Own PH Indicator (medium) </strong></a>Learn how to make your own acid-base indicator using red cabbage and use it to test different fluids!</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project1327.html"><strong>Testing Antacids (hard) </strong></a>Find out which antacid can neutralize the most acid and get relief from heartburn and gastritis!</p></li></ul><h4>Chromatography reactions: Separating out colors as liquid moves through the paper!</h4><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project826.html"><strong>Colors of Skittles Experiment (easy) </strong></a>Did you know that some Skittles have a secret rainbow hiding inside them?</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project678.html"><strong>Uncovering Fall Colors (medium) </strong></a>Have you ever wondered why leaves change color in the fall? Let's find out by using chromatography to separate the colors of a green leaf!</p></li></ul><h4>Heat reactions: Heat speeds things up!</h4><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project274.html"><strong>Which Candle Burns the Fastest? (easy) </strong></a>Do you want to find out which color candle burns the fastest?</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project1291.html"><strong>Fire-Resistant Balloons (medium) </strong></a>Ever wondered if a balloon filled with water can withstand fire?</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project475.html"><strong>Can Peanuts Heat Water? (hard) </strong></a>Have you ever wondered if peanuts have enough energy to heat up water?</p></li></ul><p>Project details at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/15/Quick_Science_Fair_Projects_You_Can_Do_In_A_Day">Quick Science Fair Projects →</a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3 style="text-align: start"><strong>Testable Questions for Science Projects</strong></h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/173_popular 2.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">A testable question is a question that we can answer through a science experiment. To do this, we do a control experiment, then we change one thing in the experiment to see how it affects what happens. This is how we can discover the answer to our question!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><ul><li><p>What makes a cloud form?</p></li><li><p>Can drink and food taste different just by changing its color?</p></li><li><p>Does the color of light affect photosynthesis?</p></li><li><p>Does temperature affect seed sprouting?</p></li><li><p>What makes popcorn pop?</p></li></ul><p>More <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/14">testable questions with their science projects <strong>→</strong></a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h2>Science Fair Project FAQ</h2><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>What are some hands-on ways to find inspiration for my science fair project?</h3><h4>Science museums</h4><p><img src="/images2/flex/124_7.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Science museums are great places to explore if you're looking for inspiration for your next science fair project or just want to learn more about science. Science museums, natural history museums, space museums, and discovery museums are all great places to do that! You can discover all sorts of interesting things about science and find cool project ideas for science fairs.</p><p>There may be free admission days or free passes to a science museum near you! Check your credit card for offers, your local library for free museum passes, and nearby science museums for free entrance days.</p><p>So what are you waiting for? <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_science_museums">Find a science museum near you</a> and prepare to be awed by all that you can learn there!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h4>Look around and observe</h4><p><img src="/images2/flex/117_5.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Do you know how scientists start their cool projects? They often look around and notice things that are interesting or make them curious. Then they start doing an experiment! You can do the same! Look around your school, home, or community. Is there anything that catches your attention and makes you curious? Maybe you notice something interesting or a problem that people are facing. This could be a great starting point for your science fair project!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h4>Try an Easy Science Project!</h4><p><img src="/images2/flex/144_easy square.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">These science projects are easy and fun to do. You may discover a simple experiment that sparks your interest and inspires you to do more experiments, turning it into a science fair project! Check them out at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/12">Easy Science Fair Projects <strong>→</strong></a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3 style="text-align: start"><strong>How do I start a science fair project?</strong></h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/199_science coach.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">No matter if you're in high school, elementary or middle school, science fair projects are a fun and unique way to discover science by asking a question and doing a science project. We'll help you find a science fair project idea and guide you through the process of doing and presenting your science fair project with <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_projects_coach/science-project-coach.html">Science Fair Coach's Science Fair Project Guide</a>.</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>What should I do after I have a science fair project idea?</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/143_intro science fair.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">If you have a science fair project idea, Science Fair Coach can help you turn it into a full science fair project! Starting at the <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/4">Introduction to Science Fairs</a>, check out the section on <strong>How to do a science fair project</strong> for a step-by-step guide!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><p><img src="/images2/flex/203_compared to scientific method.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">We'll guide you through every step of the <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/5">scientific method</a>, from designing and conducting your experiment to collecting and analyzing your findings.</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><p><img src="/images2/flex/202_engineering design process.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">If you're working on an engineering project, you can head over to <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/9">The Guide to the Engineering Design Process</a>.</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><p> <img src="/images2/flex/150_science fair poster.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Finally, we'll help you showcase your results on a <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/7">science fair board</a> for others to learn from and enjoy.</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3 style="text-align: start"><strong>How do I make a science fair board?</strong></h3><p style="text-align: start"><img src="/images2/flex/150_science fair poster.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Your science fair board is where you show off your science fair project for everyone to see and learn from. With <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_projects_coach/science-project-display-board-6a.html">Science Fair Coach's step-by-step guide</a>, you can make sure your science fair board stands out and impresses at the science fair!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>Where can I find a science fair competition?</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/179_Intro Science Fair Projects 32.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Science fair competitions are an excellent opportunity to explore science. One of the of the premier science advocacy organizations, the Society for Science, is associated with more than 400 science fair competitions in almost every US state, as well as over 70 other countries, regions, and territories. You can find out if there's a <a href="https://findafair.societyforscience.org/">Society of Science affiliated science fair</a> near you!</p><p>The <a href="http://physics.usc.edu/~gould/ScienceFairs/">The www Virtual Library: Science Fairs website</a> also has a collection of science fairs from all over the world, as well as national, state, regional, local, and virtual competitions!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat">

Microbiology is the study of tiny living things that we can't see with our eyes, like bacteria, viruses and fungi. Microbiologists study how these microorganisms grow, reproduce, and interact with their environment, and how they can affect our health.

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Microorganisms on Hands and Objects

Hypothesis

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