Question: Can You Breed Bacteria?

Bacteria are a fascinating type of microorganism that play a large role in our lives whether we like it or not. Try growing your own sample of bacteria while monitoring how it reproduces in a short space of time. Compare your original sample with others and get proof that bacteria truly are everywhere!

What You'll Need:

Procedure:

1. Prepare your petri dish of agar.

2. Using your cotton swab, swab a certain area of your house (i.e. collect a sample by rubbing the cotton swab on a surface of your choice).

3. Rub the swab over the agar with a few gentle strokes before putting the lid back on and sealing the petri dish.

4.Allow the dish to sit in a warm area for 2 or 3 days.

5. Check the growth of the bacteria each day by making an observational drawing and describing the changes.

6. Try repeating the process with a new petrie dish and swab from under your finger nails or between your toes.

7. Dispose of the bacteria by wrapping up the petrie dish in old newspaper and placing in the rubbish (don't open the lid).