Name of Assignment: Unknown Project
Subject: MICRO 140
Facilitator/teacher: Junnie June
Subject: MICRO 140
Facilitator/teacher: Junnie June
Project Description
This is the biggest project in our microbiology lab. We were each given a strain of bacteria to identify using the experiments and techniques that we have learned in class. We also had to write a paper documenting the process.
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Which 21st Century Skill do you feel this assignment addresses, and why?
I think this project addresses thinking and problem solving skills. I have to apply what I learned in previous labs in order to correctly identify my strain of bacteria. My final paper will show the process that I went through to reach my final conclusion. There were also some cases where I had to adjust my method of staining or plate streaking in order to get useful results.
What are you most proud of from this assignment, and why?
So far, I am most proud of the way that I documented my project. I made sure to take a lot of pictures of my stains and tests to include in my final paper. This project also helped me build on my research writing skills from English 200.
How did you develop and/or improve upon your 21st Century Skill with this assignment?
I developed my thinking and problem solving skills by applying what I learned from previous labs and correcting errors in my methods of testing and staining. Through my first test, the gram stain, I found out that my bacterial culture was contaminated and I had to get a new culture.
What was most difficult about completing this task?
The most difficult aspect of this project was performing the procedures for my stains and tests accurately. One incorrect result could completely throw off the testing process. There were a few times where I got confusing results from my stains. In my first Gram stain, I found both gram-negative rods and gram-positive cocci in my sample. Because a bacterial strain can only have one morphology, this meant that the culture was contaminated. I had to start over with a different bacteria. I also was not able create a viewable endospore stain.
How could you improve this work? If you could start over, what would you do different?
I think that I should have reviewed the gram and endospore staining procedures before actually this project began. I usually used my lab book for reference for my staining procedures, but I think I should have had them somewhat memorized. If I knew the purpose of each step I would have a better idea of how to make a better stain.
How does this relate to what you have learned in the past?
This project relates to everything that we have learned in our labs this semester. The tests that I used in my experiment so far were Gram staining, a catalase test, and an endospore stain. I also had to use the aseptic technique that we learned in class to perform each test as well as to inoculate a streak plate and backup slant of my bacterial culture.
How can you apply this to future learning?
I can apply what I learned in this lab to my future classes and in my career. Since I plan on studying biology or biochemistry in the future, I will probably have to use these tests and techniques when dealing with living microorganisms. The aseptic technique is especially important, and I will definitely need it in future classes.