Germs: they’re everywhere! What can we DO?!?

Eaton High School teacher Amy Kochensparger used the “Soy Fresh, Soy Clean” lesson with her 10th grade biology class. Students were shocked to realize that bacteria can live on most surfaces and can be transferred from one surface to another.

The class evaluated the effectiveness of two cleaners, one bio-based and the other non-bio-based, as part of the lab. Kochensparger said, “Students used the scientific method to make predictions and they applied their knowledge of binary fission and cell structure to explain how and why the cleaners affected the bacteria on the lab surfaces. They also generated their own questions and wanted to try using the test in new ways.”

Kochensparger had the students fill out “Complete the Tweet” exit slips, with responses such as:

  • “I learned how to culture bacteria and what bacteria need to survive. #mrskisfun #washyourhands”
  • “I learned how to transfer bacteria into a testable culture and how to collect bacteria samples.”
  • “I learned that all cleaning agents do not work in the same way, and that nature-based cleaners can work just as well as chemical cleaners #bacteria”

Kochensparger said the lesson prep was fairly simple and the lab was effective and engaging. A class discussion on topics including clean surfaces, proper food preparation, and bacterial diseases, as well as eating out in restaurants, eating in the school cafeteria, and making food safe at home, demonstrated that students understood the concepts.

Engage your students with active learning opportunities by using GrowNextGen lessons!