Microscopy of Air/Water Biofilms in the Undergraduate Laboratory: A Simple Collection Kit with Multiple Applications

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Author:

Margaret Henk

Subject:

Science and Technology

Institution Name:

Louisiana State University

Collection:

Association for Biology Laboratory Education (ABLE)

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Abstract:

Naturally occurring air/water interface biofilms are ubiquitous, but largely unexplored. They provide ideal samples for introductory microscopy and microbiology. This activity introduces a simple method for collecting samples from nature or the lab and gives detailed instructions on preparing a simple collecting kit and optimum viewing with student microscopes. Useful features of this activity include: the ideal nature of a wide assortment of ubiquitous air/water interface biofilms for microscopy, the ease of preparing the collection slide and collecting the biofilm, economy, efficiency, and success rate, as well as hands-on discovery opportunities, new concepts in microbiology, and high student interest level.

Course Type:

Learning Module

Languages:

English

Material Type:

Activities and Labs, Lesson Plans

Media Format:

Downloadable docs

Conditions of Use:

Custom Permissions
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Use solely at one's own institution with no intent for profit is excluded from the preceding copyright restriction, unless otherwise noted on the copyright notice of the individual chapter in this volume. Proper credit to this publication must be included in your laboratory outline for each use; a sample citation is given [on the copyright page of each volume]. Upon obtaining permission or with the "sole use at one's own institution" exclusion, ABLE strongly encourages individuals to use the exercises in this proceedings volume in their teaching program.