Ask an Expert: growing bacteria

[scixpat16]

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

[cbrambley]

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.
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/FoodSci_p072.shtml#summary

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

[scixpat16]

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?

[amyc]

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

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-f ... _src.shtml

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

Amy