Student Worthiness
This experiment has yet to be fully completed by students. We believe that the jello will create an appropriate substance in which to create growth.
Safety
This activity involves culturing bacteria and fungi that are in the air and on children's bodies. Although these organisms may seem harmless, they can and do cause infection, particularly when their numbers increase when they are cultured. For that reason it is strongly recommended that the plates never be reopened. Fungi are very likely to grow on gelatin, and the spores may cause allergic reaction or infection. The plates should be sealed tightly; we used high-quality masking tape for that purpose. The used plates should be sealed in a plastic bag prior to appropriate disposal.
Primary biological content area covered
Bacteria Growth & Safe handling of food
Materials
- Unflavored gelatin packets
- Petri dishes or baby food jars (one for each student)
- Cotton string
- Permanent marker
- Hot water
- Glue gun with glue sticks
- Wet wipes
- Large bowl
- Spoon for stirring gelatin
- Masking tape may replace glue for connecting the lids to the bottoms
