Bacteria Growing Kit - Petri Dishes One of our most popular science fair project kits.
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You can smell a good science project a block away. In this case, multiply the fun by six and you have one of our most popular science fair project kits. You'll get six large Petri dishes, 10 cm (4 in) in diameter, a microwave safe plastic beaker, cotton swabs and the highest quality nutrient agar. This is the same nutrient agar used by microbiologists to grow really funky stuff in the lab. The instructions give you great suggestions for collecting samples and ways to gross out your parents. Recommended for children ages 6 and up.
What's included?
- 6 large, 10 cm (4 in) diameter Petri dishes
- 6 cotton swabs
- 5 grams of Nutrient Agar
- 1 600 mL plastic beaker
- 1 activity guide
What does it teach?
Bacteria Growing Kit - Get ready to get grossed out! With this kit you have all the makings to see the unseen bacteria all around you!
How to make the Bacteria Growing Kit into a science fair project:
Examples of Independent Variables: (choose only ONE independent variable to test)
- Door Knobs -
- Start up question - Which door knob has the most bacteria?
- Variations to the independent variable: bathroom door knob, your bedroom door knob, your front door knob
- Mouths -
- Start up question - Which mouth is the cleanest?
- Variations to the independent variable: your mouth, your mom’s mouth, your teacher’s mouth, your dog’s mouth
- Dental Care -
- Start up question - How clean does my mouth really get?
- Variations to the independent variable: no brushing, brushing, brushing and mouth wash OR test different toothpastes - before brushing/after brushing with Colgate, before brushing/brushing with Crest, before brushing/brushing with Arm & Hammer, etc.
- Experiments - Growing Bacteria in Agar Petri Dishes
Product FAQ
- Is it dangerous?
It is growing bacteria and bacteria is not something that you really want around. Always keep your lids on. You don’t want the spores to get everywhere and grow places where you don’t want them to. Also, throw the petri dishes away, or at least dispose of the agar if you want to wash the dishes. You don’t want to keep it because you are creating an environment for bacteria to grow and you don’t want for it to get out of hand.
- How long does it take to grow?
Our little scientists were seeing results in about a week. Your results will be dependent on the environment.
- Is there a test for the type of bacteria?
No. The lesson here is to not really be able to identify which type you are growing but instead to record that there is growth.
- Is your agar made from seaweed?
Yes and no. By definition agar is a seaweed derivitive. However, our nutrient agar also contains beef nutrients to help facilitate bacteria growth.
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Double Dip Chip Science Fair Project
December 13th, 2009 -
Bacteria Growing Challenge
January 26th, 2009 -
Growing Bacteria
February 4th, 2008
Click the thumbnail below to see the video.
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Good Science Fair Project
Amy - March 4, 2010
I ordered this for my sons 6th grade science fair project. It had clear, easy to follow directions. He enjoyed taking the samples, mixing the auger, and mostly seeing the bacteria growth!! |
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Very Fun!
Robin - February 7, 2010
This was a very fun and interesting experiment! Thanks so much Steve! |
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Nice product, but not enough agar
Bob Lambert St. Peter, MN - January 26, 2010
The directions tell how much agar to use for the six dishes, but you don't provide enough agar. Bob, I'm sorry that you experienced a problem with this kit. We actually provide enough agar for 12 petri dishes, which allows for mistakes, spills, and the like. A customer service team member will contact you to discuss this with you. -- The Steve Spangler Science Web Team |
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Very Cool
Erin Maryland - January 21, 2010
My five year old and I had so much fun testing door knobs, remote controls, dog noses, toilet seats, etc...It was amazing to see after a few days how much bacteria (and different types of bacteria) was growing in the dishes |
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Awesome
Maddy C Missouri - January 11, 2010
Just Awesome |
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An awesomely gross experiment
Debbie Littleton, CO - January 1, 2010
This is a creative and excellent science fair experiment that appeals to kids, asks a good question, performs multiple tests, and eventually comes to some disgusting conclusions. What a great way to demonstrate the scientific method, the use of a variable and a control, and the process of making discoveries/conclusions. Amazing job! |
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No Double Dipping
Janet C. Orlando - December 14, 2009
I can't believe how gross this is. The best part is that I could do it at home with petri dishes and the jello stuff. This is a great science fair project idea for my daughter who loves gross stuff. |
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Great product, could use more agar
Peggy Salt Lake City - December 10, 2009
We wish there was one extra pack of agar in the bacteria growing kit. Even though your instructions warn of microwave boil-over, it did happen to us, and is probably very common, so we were out of luck. Our alternative was to buy 25 ounces more for the same price as the kit. We think you could have put an extra 5 ounce pack for more value, less disappointment. Otherwise - great product and service. Luckily, our experiment is going forward because we bought 2 kits, wanting 12 samples of (comparing growth of dog, cat, rat, saliva). We now have a compromised 8 samples for the science fair project, with less agar in each dish.... |
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Bacteria Growing Kit
Paula Symonds San Francisco, CA - October 25, 2009
The directions were very clear. The agar set quickly. It made my class of first graders feel like real scientists |
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