Microbiology Teacher Resources

Life science learners read a set of six short Discovery Readings that describe historical events in the field of microbiology. For each, they identify clues about when the event occurred and then they try to arrange events in...

In this biology worksheet, students are introduced to the practices of safety as related to using a laboratory and then answer some questions as an assessment.

Food storage matters! Scholars learn how the amount of water in corn can affect its rate of spoilage. They create a control group, then test three corn samples stored in three different locations for water activity. As a result of the...

Students determine the optimal living conditions for yeast and apply these results to microbes in food. For this microbiology lab lesson, students observe the reaction of yeast to elevated temperatures. They relate these results to safe...

Students explore how sewer systems can contribute to water pollution and perform an experiment to see how well a water purification technique can protect against water-born microbial illnesses. They compare the bacterial growth from...

Learners consider the procedures and safety issues involved in food preservation. They conduct experiments in canning, freezing and drying. If everyone can preserve food utilizing a variety of methods and science principles, the lesson...

Students research the possible sources and human health effects of microbes found in recreational and drinking water. They explore the range of negative outcomes of contact with contaminated recreational and drinking water by creating...

Pupils learn how to control food spoilage by adjusting the food's pH. They see that one of the most dangerous bacteria can grow in food if people don't handle and store food properly. Using knowledge of the bacteria's preferred pH,...

Scholars use a lab simulation to test contaminated yogurt for bacteria by gram staining. They learn proper lab procedures for handling bacteria and for sterilizing equipment, and then walk through the process on their own to try gram...

Scholars explore the procedure for bacteria sampling in a virtual lab by first walking through a detailed step-by-step procedure of preparing the samples of raw milk and pasteurized milk, growing the bacteria, and comparing results....

Young scholars grow bacteria cultures on agar in petri dishes and do a plate count. They participate in a yogurt making lab to see how bacteria produce lactic acid. They prepare a recipe and identify fungi, fermentation and the role of...

Peas spoilage hot, peas spoilage cold: examine the bacterial growth on newly defrosted peas versus peas that have been defrosted for 24 hours. Using the session one questions in the "Microbes and Food Spoilage" PDF, learners will make...

Your life science class works in their groups to review the concept maps that they have constructed over the course of a microbiology unit. They share what they have learned with the rest of the class. In a second session, they are given...

Students investigate foodborne illnesses and involved microbes. They identify major pathogens and then research and explain how they contaminate foods and how people are affected.

Although the points given on these slides are valid, the visual accessibility is poor. Consequently, many viewers would be distracted or entirely unable to view the presentation.  The content is a review of microorganisms and their...

High schoolers discover dangers to human health by researching what's in our drinking water.  In this water purification activity, students discuss the conditions of water in undeveloped countries and why it is unsafe to drink.  High...

Students investigate and determine which types of carbohydrates Baker's yeast prefers. They crumble Cheerios, Smarties, and Fruit Loops and feed them to the yeast and watch what happens, when the bags begin to barf.

High schoolers begin by completing a survey asking them to rank their concerns about commercially prepared foods. They develop a definition of relative risk, and complete the "Pro or Con" worksheet. Students work in groups to make a...

Teach the class how to use a microscope to identify bacteria in food. Scholars explore the different parts of the microscope and learn how to determine total magnification. They walk step-by-step through the procedure of preparing slides...

Students explore, analyze, study and demonstrate the procedures that municipal water plants may use to purify water for drinking. They cover the clean water processes of aeration, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection.

Students investigate many of the factors that affect water quality. They take measurements and water samples at a local stream and evaluate the health of their community's watershed. They write a report detailing their findings.

In this biology worksheet, students identify the different types of reagents being used with the samples as part of an extensive lab experiment.

The news often refers to a team of experts handling situations and outbreaks of illnesses. Young scientists learn about such a team as they train to prevent infectious disease outbreaks  Scholars meet three experts, learn about their...

Looking for an interesting text to share the world of microbes with your middle school classroom? The edition contains explanations, worksheets, experiments, discussions, and links to outside sources for a true and complete microbiology...