Teaching Basic Lab Skills using Diverse Microbial Communities in a Biologically Relevant Context

We present a laboratory-based exercise that is used to teach basic lab skills (e.g., aseptic technique and enumeration) using naturally occurring microbial communities in a real biological context. Students examine the colonization by microbial communities of leaves that fall into streams. Leaf deco...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American biology teacher 2010-10, Vol.72 (8), p.490-494
Main Authors: Brooke, Joanna S., Funk, Phillip E., Silliker, Margaret E., Sparkes, Timothy C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacteria
Bacterial colonization
Behavior
Biodegradation
Biology
cellulosedegrading microbes
Climate
Colonies
Community Relations
Decomposition
Design
Environmental Influences
Experiment design
Fungi
Inquiry & Investigation
Inquiry method
Laboratories
Land Settlement
Macroinvertebrates
Microbial colonization
Microbial communities
Microbial growth
Microbial mats
Microbiology
microbiology lab skills
Microorganisms
Opportunities
Pollution
Research Design
Research Methodology
Stream water
Streams
Teaching Methods
Water
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Summary:We present a laboratory-based exercise that is used to teach basic lab skills (e.g., aseptic technique and enumeration) using naturally occurring microbial communities in a real biological context. Students examine the colonization by microbial communities of leaves that fall into streams. Leaf decomposition reflects enzymatic activity by microorganisms such as aquatic fungi and bacteria and maceration by invertebrate shredders. The microorganisms help facilitate the cycling of nutrients and energy in the stream's ecosystem. This exercise effectively teaches students to use lab skills to quantify microorganisms found in nature, investigates groups of microorganisms involved in leaf degradation in streams, and stimulates interest in both microbiology and ecology.
ISSN:0002-7685
1938-4211
DOI:10.1525/abt.2010.72.8.5