Let’s Think Scientifically Question‐ Is Bacteria Real? Research ‐Today our lesson is about keeping food safe from bacteria:  Where is bacteria?  What does it look like?  How can I see it?  Is it alive?  Does is grow?  Where does is grow?  How fast does it grow?  Is all bacteria bad?  How do I keep my food and myself safe from Bad Bacteria? Hypothesis – Bacteria is real, it is everywhere. I can grow bacteria. Class may determine their own hypothesis. Experiment should test the selected hypothesis Class will determine the 4 places they think they will find the most bacteria in their classroom. 1. __________________________________________ 2.___________________________________________ 3.___________________________________________ 4.___________________________________________ Experiment‐ Label the lids of the prepare petri dishes from your list using a sharpie marker. Collect bacteria on the end of a cotton swab from your list. You will be using one half of each of the petri dishes for each bacterium specimen collected. Remove the lid of the prepared petri dish lightly draw a squiggly line in the agar (to the right or to the left) with the end of the cotton swab. Return the lid with the label over the correct side. Tape lid in place and place the dishes in a safe dark warm (not hot) place to let the bacteria grow. 1/2013
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Analyze Data‐ use the enclosed charts to record what you see in the petri dish for a whole week. Look at growth with hand lens. Conclusions‐ Have each student share what they learned from this activity. Communicate Results‐ Be ready to share with Ms. Barbara when she comes for her next lesson. Teachers, Objectives for the “Food Safety Danger Zone” 4th grade lesson: Knowledge: Student will know food‐handling practices that keep food safe to eat. Behavioral: Students will identify food‐handling practices that prevent food poisoning. Objectives for this supplemental activity: Students clearly understand:  Bacteria is real  Not all bacteria is bad  Bacteria grows  In what environment bacteria grow best  How fast it grows The opportunities to learn are many. If you would like to continue to conduct experiments, comparing other possibilities please contact the 4‐H Extension Educator for ideas or supplies. Located at the Carter County Cooperative Extension Office, phone 580‐223‐6570. 1/2013
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Growing Bacteria Report Dish # _________ (use back side to record more days) Give date and me. Look over the specimen and draw what you see. Can you describe what you see? Use notebook paper to record if you wish. Le side‐Date_________ Le side‐Date_________ Time________ Space Temperature ______ Time________ Space Temperature ______ Right side ‐Date_________ Right side‐Date_________ Le side‐Date_________ Le side‐Date_________ Time________ Space Temperature ______ Time________ Space Temperature ______ Right side‐Date_________ Right side ‐Date_________ Time________ Space Temperature ______ Time________ Space Temperature ______ 1/14/2013 1 Growing Bacteria Report Dish # _________ (con nued) Give date and me. Look over the specimen and draw what you see. Can you describe what you see? Le side‐Date_________ Le side‐Date_________ Time________ Space Temperature ______ Time________ Space Temperature ______ Right side ‐Date_________ Right side‐Date_________ Time________ Space Temperature ______ Time________ Space Temperature ______ Le side‐Date_________ Le side‐Date_________ Time________ Space Temperature ______ Time________ Space Temperature ______ Right side‐Date_________ Right side ‐Date_________ 1/14/2013 2