Ask an Expert: growing bacteria
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growing bacteria
Can bacteria grown from swabs of household areas such as doorknobs or toilet seats be cultured at home for a science fair project?
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- Former Expert
- Posts: 16
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Re: growing bacteria
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!
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!
Re: growing bacteria
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?
Re: growing bacteria
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
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