Battling Bacteria: Ecosystem Dynamics in a Petri Dish

In this experiment students create their own microbial ecosystems and investigate the dynamics of competition and abiotic/biotic change on community composition. By using bacteria with short generation times students can observe, test, and collect their own data on key ecological phenomena in a week!

• Understand niches, biotic/abiotic factors, and species interactions

• Create and manipulate a microbial ecosystem

• Investigate competition and test Gause’s law

• Explore how different species respond to stress and environmental change

 

 

 

 

Cat. No.: 935
Group Size: For 10 Lab Groups
Time Required: Complete in 1 Week
Kit Includes: Instructions, BactoBeads™, IPTG, ampicillin, nutrient powder, salt, ReadyPour™ agar, recovery broth, petri dishes, sterile loops, microcentrifuge tubes, 50 mL conical tubes, and wrapped 10mL pipets. All you need: Adjustable volume micropipette and tips, incubator, marking pens, microwave, hot gloves, pipet pump or bulb.
All You Need: Micropipettes, incubator, centrifuge, marking pens, bunsen burner, hot plate, or microwave, & hot gloves.
Storage: Some Components Require Refrigerator and Freezer Storage