Microbial Box 1

Your Mission: Investigate the relationship between microorganisms and many every day products.

Microbes live everywhere, including outer space! Scientists have reported that some germs on the International Space Station can increase to a higher number than they do on Earth. Therefore, cleanliness and proper disposal of garbage is an important part of living on the ISS.

In this activity, teams will investigate the relationship microorganisms have with many of the products they use every day.

Skills

Scientific Methodology, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving

Learning Objectives:

analyze microbial life based on research
investigate the relationship of many everyday products to microorganisms
examine the impact of microorganisms on daily life
discover that microorganisms have the greatest diversity of all living organisms
explain how microorganisms are beneficial to humans and the environment

Equipment

Shoe box or container
Zipper seal bag
Images or the following items:
- Yogurt
- Blue cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Slice of bread
- Split peas or peanuts
- Coffee beans
- Picture of hot springs or geyser
- Sterile, empty container of antibiotics
- Sweaty socks
- Vinegar
- Plastic nose or image of nose
Per Student:
- Copy of A Microbial Box Student Section

Time

Lesson: 1-2 class days

Resource available in:

English, French, Spanish

Explore more Mission X activities!

Touchdown Charlie

Your Mission Playing sports requires teamwork and preparation. Teammates must work together. In space, astronauts also must react to new …

Jump for the Moon

Your Mission: Perform jump training with a rope to improve strength and endurance. On Earth, humans experience the effects of …

Astro Farmer

Your Mission: Investigate which factors affect plant growth, and relate these factors to growing plants in space. All the things …

Le Goalball

Votre mission: Affinez vos sens pour marquer le plus de but et développer vos réflexes This resource was created by …

Taste in Space

Your Mission: Explore taste sensations on the tongue and experiment to see which senses influence taste. For astronauts, all their …

Les handisports de fauteuil

Votre mission: Effectuer un parcours d’obstacle en fauteuil roulant pour développer votre coordination et votre endurance. This resource was created …