In this activity, you will create models of microorganisms using various craft materials and place them in petri dishes to simulate "cultures." Follow these steps carefully:
Materials Available
You can use the following materials to build your microorganisms: modeling clay or playdough, beads or necklace pieces, pompoms, cotton balls, pipe cleaners, toothpicks, straws, glue or tape.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Understand the Microorganisms
Before starting, think about the different types of microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi.
Remember their basic shapes:
Bacteria: Rods, spirals, or spheres.
Viruses: Complex shapes with spikes or geometric structures.
Protozoa: Irregular and varied shapes, often with "tails" (flagella).
Fungi: Branching structures or spore-like shapes.
Plan Your Design
Decide which microorganism you want to build.
Think about its shape, structure, and features.
Create Your Microorganism
Use the materials provided to construct your microorganism.
Be creative but accurate—try to make it look like the real thing!
Combine materials (e.g., use beads for the nucleus, cotton for the membrane, or pipe cleaners for tails or spikes).
Prepare the Petri Dish
Write the name of your microorganism on a label and stick it on the petri dish.
Place your completed microorganism model inside the petri dish.
Let’s have fun and explore the tiny world of microorganisms together!
