7 Microbiology Lab Experiments that are Easier to Teach with Labster

You want the best microbiology labs for your students. Maybe lesson planning is taking up too much time, you’re recycling the same labs over and over, microbiology lab equipment is too expensive, or you’re a new teacher. 

Whatever the case, we’ve gathered seven microbiology lab experiments you can teach your students. We’ve also matched accompanying virtual labs that can help teach the experiments.

1. Genetic Transfer in Bacteria 
2. Decontamination & sterilization processes
3. Biosafety
4. Immunology
5. Bacterial cell structures
6. Gram stain
7. Pasteurization and Sterilization

1. Genetic Transfer in Bacteria 

Students learning genetic transfer in bacteria for the first time might find the lessons daunting as the process involves tiny molecules and tedious lab procedures. In the lab, students can’t leap into the microscopic world. With this virtual lab, they can!

In Labster’s Genetic Transfer in Bacteria simulation, students will complete several learning games to understand the three ways of genetic transfer in bacteria, transduction, transformation, and conjugation, and use their learnings to prevent the rise of superbugs.

2. Decontamination & sterilization processes

If your students have microbiology labs, they work with microorganisms regularly. After each experiment, decontamination is necessary to prevent the uncontrolled spread of microorganisms. What if they could practice in the virtual lab, so they don’t make mistakes during class? With Labster, they can!

In Labster’s Control of Microbial Growth simulation: Explore decontamination and selective toxicity, students will work alongside a dentist to investigate a potentially deadly tooth infection and figure out how to control the spread of microbes using decontamination and sterilization processes.

3. Biosafety

Scientists working in microbiology labs are always at risk of contamination; therefore, biosafety rules have been set for their protection. These rules or protocols protect the person handling dangerous pathogens and ensure error-free results. Again, students can practice getting it right in a virtual setting, so they’re sure not to make mistakes in the in-person lab.

In Labster’s Biosafety simulation, students will be introduced to the concept of laboratory containment, a very special laboratory type required to work with hazardous pathogens.

4. Immunology

Since immunology experiments require a range of consumables and lab facilities, many high schools and higher education institutions cannot provide a well-equipped setup for conducting or demonstrating experiments. As a result, students aren’t always able to learn the importance of practical experience with immunology techniques.  

In Labster’s Introduction to Immunology simulation, students undertake a series of challenges in preparation for a critical global health investigation. Students will become a pathogen and invade a body to discover how immune cells and organs provide protection. Then they’ll learn how researchers from across the planet work together to save the world from pathogenic infections.

5. Bacterial cell structures

Bacteria are one of the largest representatives of the microbiological world. The bacterial life forms are a prolific display of nature’s intricate engineering. From volcanic sites to Antarctica’s frozen icebergs, bacteria have occupied incredible niches that only they can thrive in. You’re not likely to take your students on a trip to Antarctica, but with Labster, you can. 

In Labster’s Bacterial Cell Structures simulation, you will visit a research station in Antarctica and help the researcher Nicolas explore bacteria in melting water. They’ll learn about bacterial cell structures and their importance for bacterial survival.

6. Gram stain

The gram stain is a common laboratory test that can quickly diagnose the presence of a bacterial infection. Gram staining is the definitive method for distinguishing two main groups based on their different cell wall components. Dive into the microscopic world with Labster and discover the colorful magic of Gram staining!

In Labster’s Gram Stain simulation, students can discover how the cell retains a certain color during the experiment and differentiate it under the microscope.

7. Pasteurization and Sterilization

Pasteurization is a mild heat treatment in which food and beverages are heated to <100°C. Pasteurization destroys enzymes and kills some, but not all, of the microorganisms present. On the other hand, food sterilization is a process that implies the application of heat above 100°C, usually ranging between 110°C and 121°C. The severe heat inactivates or kills the most heat-resistant microorganisms. It’s not always possible to have an effective in-person lab teaching both concepts.

In Labster’s Pasteurization and Sterilization simulation, students will help Adam, an organic farmer, to increase the shelf life of his peach juice. Together with Marie, a food scientist, they will learn the basics of food spoilage and shelf life by performing a series of spoilage detection experiments. Later, they will explore two types of heat treatment, pasteurization and sterilization, to eliminate the food spoilage in the peach juice. 

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Questions for consideration:

• How could you incorporate these virtual labs into your teaching plans?
• What are some other microbiology labs you wish you could teach?