Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Can bacteria grown from swabs of household areas such as doorknobs or toilet seats be cultured at home for a science fair project?

Hi scixpat, Welcome to Science Buddies!

And to answer your question, absolutely they can!

Here's a link to a science buddies project that will provide you with detailed instructions on growing bacteria from yogurt samples.
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ml#summary

Here's another project by Steve Spangler Science that sounds more like what you're looking for:
http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab ... g-bacteria

Keep in mind that some bacteria you find around the house can be quite dangerous, especially when grown in concentrated forms. So just be careful.

Hope that helps!

I saw those sites. My concern was whether or not the project review committee for the science fair would have a problem with the cultures being kept at home versus the lab in the school.I think the bacteria may fall under a category of potential biohazard?

You may need to file paperwork with the scientific review committee (SRC). Be sure and check the regulations for your fair.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... _src.shtml

You can find out more about projects that may or may not require approval for hazardous biological agents here:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ents.shtml

Amy