Educator Resources for Virtual Labs: Gram Staining

In this virtual lab, students will learn how to use Gram staining to differentiate beneficial bacteria and dangerous bacteria in food samples. Users will follow step-by-step lab procedures to prepare samples of yogurt and test for Salmonella and E. coli. Steps include lighting a Bunsen burner, sterilizing an inoculation loop, and preparing a slide for viewing under a light microscope. Virtual Labs – Gram Staining familiarizes students with food science lab equipment and teaches standard techniques for this specific procedure. The interactive animation initially guides the user through each step of the lab process; then users prepare Gram stain slides for themselves to find out for certain whether this batch of yogurt is safe.
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