Activity

Growing soil microbes

In this activity, students investigate microbial presence in soil by building a habitat suitable for their growth.

Known as Winogradsky columns, mud, newspaper and eggs create a variety of habitats that promote the growth of soil bacteria and algae. With time, sulfur and oxygen gradients form and a diversity of microorganisms grow in response to these conditions, often forming distinctive colour bands.

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

  • demonstrate that the soil is home to many microorganisms.

  • explain that microbes grow in response to different needs such as light, oxygen, no oxygen and various energy sources.

Download the Word file for:

  • introduction/background notes

  • what you need

  • what to do

  • discussion questions

  • student handout.

Published: 30 July 2013