Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

In the project "Do Different Dilutions of Disinfectants Affect the Development of Bacterial Resistance?" why must you select resistant bacteria and test again?

Hello rjqt1,
This project addresses some really important health issues and I'm sure you will enjoy doing the project.

Maybe it will help you understand why the project has you select resistant bacteria and test again, if you consider the following:

First, review the overview and background, thinking particularly about the meaning and impact of natural selection and how selection might affect the bacteria remaining after each of your tests.

Then, think about how you will set up tables in your lab notebook to record the results at each step, probably you will want a different table for each of the different dilutions of disinfectants you test.

Looking at those tables and thinking about the meaning of natural selections, try to write down the hypothesis you want to test in these experiments.

Feel free to come ask more questions and by all means, enjoy the project!
Madeline B

Hello again,

Science Buddies has a Project Guide:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ndex.shtml

This has many helpful sections including how to develop and phrase your hypothesis and how to set up data tables for your experiments.

Good luck and be sure to let us know if you have more questions.
Madeline B