After a week of sitting in a warm, dark place, we examined our petri dishes to see if any bacteria had grown. We saw lots of different amounts of growth depending on the areas that were swabbed. One thing we found very interesting was the fact that our trash can actually had less bacterial growth than our soccer ball! Pretty gross!!!
Another thing we learned was to differentiate between mold and bacteria. By looking closely at our dishes, we could see some black areas where mold had grown. Did you know that mold actually kills bacteria? In other areas not infected with mold, you could see the bacteria were thriving. Some had even turned an orange color. One student's bacteria sample had taken on the shape of a star!
Some students put antibacterial gel in their petri dishes. We found that it did help in reducing the amount of bacteria that grew, but it didn't kill it completely. We think the best way to use hand sanitizer is to squirt it in your hands, rub it in, then wipe the gel off with a clean paper towel.
After studying our bacteria, we learned a short lesson about how chemicals have been instrumental in medicines and keeping us healthy. Mrs. Owen asked how we would get rid of the bacteria and mold. The simple way to kill it: BLEACH and WATER!***
Now, for the surprises in class. Paden brought in a snake skin to share with the group. Each student got to feel the skin of the snake, and Paden told us a little about where it came from. Mrs. Bergschneider happened to stop by during this time, and she decided she would share a special friend with us: Houdini, her class pet (a.k.a. her albino corn snake)
Mrs. Owen held Houdini while each student got to come by and gently pet him. While Houdini was visiting, we made some observations of him. We talked about how he is a reptile. We then learned the characteristics of reptiles (most have scales, lay eggs, cold blooded, etc.) We talked a little bit more about snake anatomy, how they sense things, and snake safety.
