Virtual Labs: Bacteria Sampling Lesson Plan
Grade Levels: 6-8, 9-12
This lesson plan accompanies Virtual Labs: Bacteria Sampling, and is adaptable for grades 6-12. This interactive lab challenges students to test milk samples for bacterial contamination with various disposable lab equipment.
Lesson Plan Common Core State Standards Alignments
Grade: 08
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.7
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums (e.g., print or digital text, video, multimedia) to present a particular topic or idea.
Grade: 11-12
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.3
Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text.
Grade: 11-12
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.7
Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.
Grade: 06, 07, 08
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.3
Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.
Grade: 06, 07, 08
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.7
Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table).
Grade: 06, 07, 08
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.9
Compare and contrast the information gained from experiments, simulations, video, or multimedia sources with that gained from reading a text on the same topic.
Grade: 09, 10
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.3
Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks, attending to special cases or exceptions defined in the text.
Grade: 06
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.2
Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.
Grade: 07
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.2
Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.
Grade: 07
CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.A.2
Use data from a random sample to draw inferences about a population with an unknown characteristic of interest. Generate multiple samples (or simulated samples) of the same size to gauge the variation in estimates or predictions. For example, estimate the mean word length in a book by randomly sampling words from the book; predict the winner of a school election based on randomly sampled survey data. Gauge how far off the estimate or prediction might be.
Lesson Plan Next Generation Science Standards Alignments
MS-LS1-1
Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells, either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.
MS-LS1-5
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.
Students will:
- Express an understanding of the monitoring of the food supply for safety and quality.
- Build knowledge about food microbiology.
- Demonstrate laboratory science skills associated with growing bacteria, gram staining, and using a microscope.
Materials:
- Computers with internet access for BrainPOP
Preparation:
This lesson plan features an interactive lab titled Bacteria Sampling, developed by our partner New Mexico State University (NMSU). The lab challenges students to test milk samples for bacterial contamination with various disposable lab equipment. Students practice using special disposable equipment to perfect their lab skills while testing milk samples of pasteurized and raw milk for harmful bacteria, inoculating petri film with samples and then incubating the bacteria. They count the resulting bacteria colonies and draw conclusions. The interactive is a great way to introduce students to expectations for using a science lab. You can use this lesson at the beginning of the school year, or later on to reinforce best practices.Lesson Procedure:
- Why is it important to maintain a sterile lab environment? Ask students to free write or discuss this topic with a partner.
- Tell students that they will be participating in a virtual lab centered around bacteria. Project the Bacteria Sampling Virtual Lab on a white board for the class to see. You may want to complete the initial portions of the interactive as a class so you can facilitate discussion and model how to navigate the interactive.
- Allow students to complete the interactive on a computer with a partner. Encourage students to take notes on science lab best practices so that they are prepared to discuss what they learned afterward.
- Bring students back to a whole class discussion. Revisit the initial question, and have students discuss how they cared for the disposable lab equipment in the interactive. How is the interactive similar to real life laboratory experiments? What are the implications for labs students will be conducting throughout the year?
- Have students take the game quiz to assess their learning.
Related:
Filed as:
6-8, 9-12, Bacteria, Blended Classrooms, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.7, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.7, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.7, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.9
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.2, CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.A.2, Cellular Life and Genetics, Diversity of Life, Educational Games, Estimating, Food Safety, Geometry and Measurement, Lesson Plan, MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-5, Pasteurization, Science, Science Games, Science Skills, Social Studies, Virtual Labs: Disposable Lab Equipment