Purpose:

The purpose of this lab was to demonstrate the rapid growth rate of bacteria as well as to locate where bacteria grows in specific locations.

Hypothesis:

The most bacteria will be located on the inside door handle of the bathroom, seeing as much biological waste is left on the door handle from people’s hands.

The least amount of bacteria will be found on the soap dispenser seeing as it contains soap.

Procedure:

Materials:

Augar plate

Sterile cotton swabs

Distilled water

Incubator

1.       Using a sharpie or permanent marker, divide the augar plate into four sections of even size, on the bottom.

2.       Label each side according to what surfaces/orifices you are testing for bacteria.

3.       Using a slightly wetted cotton swab, swab the surface of each area that is being tested.

4.       Rub the surface vigorously on the gel, being careful not to cut into it (as to avoid asphyxiation.)

5.       Cover the plate, and incubate overnight.

6.       Record results

Controll variables:

Cotton swabbed only plate

Distilled water only plate

Exposed for 30 seconds plate

Results:

Colonies were a aquaish color, of a few meters in diameter. Solid color.

Microscope Views:

Keyboard: Millions of Bacilli (Blue because of indicator)

Light Sensor: One… blob.

Conclusion:

My hypothesis was partially correct. Surprisingly enough, the light sensor yielded much results, and the bathroom door handle did not have anything growing. The Soap Dispenser did not have any, as assumed.