Activity (Hands-On)Grades 7 - 9
Microbes Know How to Work!
Students design systems that use microbes to break down a water pollutant (in this case, sugar). They explore how temperature affects the rate of pollutant decomposition.
What is the ideal temperature for microbe growth? (The activity set-up.)Copyright 2011 Robert Bair. STARS – University of South Florida
Environmental engineers rely on microbes to complete important tasks, including the clean-up of polluted locations. To do this, engineers must understand exactly which factors, such as pH and temperature, affect microbial growth. The more they cater conditions to the microbes' liking, the faster the work gets done.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Identify one potential use of microbes.
- Determine which temperature best promotes the growth of yeast.
- Explain how experimentation helps engineers identify the best growing conditions for microbes.
- Design a system that uses microbes to do work.