4 Recommended Microbiology Science Fair Projects

Here is a list of four recommended microbiology science fair projects that you can have: culture of microorganisms using liquid agar; production of yogurt; mold growth; and, antibacterial testing.

Microbiology is a branch of biological science that involves the study of bacteria, virus and fungi. This is a study of microbes that employs a microscope in order to make them visible to one's eyes except the study relating to virus. There are many choices of projects that one can perform in this field of study. And, the basic thing to experiment on when it comes to microbiology is the growth of the microorganisms. Here are some microbiology project options that you could do for a science fair:

Culture of microorganisms using liquid agar

This project focuses on the growth of microorganisms. The purpose of this experiment is to be able to show the diversity of microbes in the environment. Microorganisms are the basic and dominant organisms in the earth. Microorganisms that do not have a nucleus are classified into three. These are the bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. And, bacteria happens to be the most widespread. This science project utilizes petri dishes and a substance derived from seaweeds known as liquid agar. To do this, one should will simply have to fill  petri dishes with liquid agar. These petri dishes should be placed in different areas of your house - in the bedroom, in the bathroom, inside the refrigerator, and in garbage bins. The dishes should be kept seal for about two to three weeks at room temperature. During this period, conduct an observation every other day. And, identify the color, size and shape culture.

Production of yogurt

Yogurt is a process wherein the milk undergoes fermenting, thickening and souring using bacteria. This experiment uses commercial yogurt  to and different whole milk brands to make a bacteria culture that would produce a homemade yogurt. It is important to use different brands of yogurt. Some that are flavored and others that are unflavored. Use pasteurized and unpasteurized yogurt too. First thing to do is to heat the milk, then place them in jars, and add one type of  yogurt for every canning jar. Refrigerate  them for a couple of hours. Then, check on the yogurt mixture and note the difference in every jar in terms of consistency and odor.

Mold growth

This can be done with the use of bread. In order to have various comparisons it is better to use two types of bread such as wheat bread and white bread. And, verify the effect on the growth of molds in bread when other substances are added like lemon juice, sugar and water.

Antibacterial testing

This experiment is done to check on the efficacy of disinfectants. You will need the following materials: cotton balls, cotton swab, water, five kinds of disinfectants, luncheon meat, cutting board, and permanent marker. With the use of marker, divide the board into six sections. Using  cotton balls, wipe luncheon meat on every section. And, let it stay there overnight. Then,  with the use of cotton balls, wipe each section with the five kinds of disinfectants. The sixth section, you wipe with water using a cotton ball still. When you are done, wipe each section with cotton swabs. One cotton swab for every section of the board. Place the samples on six petri dishes that have agar on it. Store these dishes at room temperature. Observe the growth of microorganisms in every petri dish.

microbiology science fair projects are one of the best project entries you can have for a science fair competition. They are really interesting. In performing different microbiology experiments, you can just imagine how amazing these tiny microorganisms can grow in multitudes in a span of seconds.