Activity: (U2 M3) Lab Preparation for CU3 Modules
The Labs in Credit Unit 3 are being discussed at this point because there is advance preparation and incubation required ahead of time. Please read the information below about preparing your Labs so that they are ready to start when you finish the first Module of this Credit Unit.
In Credit Unit 3, you will be doing tabletop Labs for both Modules. In these Modules you will be performing experiments that will require incubation periods of 48 hours. Therefore, you will need to set these experiments up prior to beginning the Modules to which they are related. This requires a bit of time budgeting on your part. Theoretically, you should be moving through the material at the approximate rate of one Module every 2–3 days. Therefore, based on your best guess as to how long it will take you to get to the Lab in Modules 2 and 3, you will use the documents described below to prepare for the Labs in these Modules.
Lab Preparation for Microbe Diversity (CU3 M1):
CU3 M1 focuses on microbe diversity. As part of the Lab for this Module, you will be culturing bacteria in the petri dishes that you were instructed to purchase and refrigerate at the beginning of the term. Approximately 2 days before you anticipate reaching the Lab for CU3 M1, print the document linked below and follow the instructions to prepare your bacteria cultures:
Lab Preparation for CU3 M1 (Google Doc)
It is recommended you consider preparing this experiment now, as you prepare to begin the first Module in the Credit Unit. This experiment is very time sensitive. If you do not allow the plates to incubate for at least 48 hours, you will not get adequate bacteria growth to analyze. However, if you let the plates incubate for much longer than 48 hours, the bacteria will take over the petri dish, which will result in overgrowth that is not meaningful. For this reason you should be careful in your planning of when to begin the set up. This is your last reminder to set up the experiment before getting to CU3 M2.
Lab Preparation for Fungi Diversity (CU3 M2):
CU3 M2 focuses on fungi diversity. As a part of the Lab for this Module you will be creating a spore print of a mushroom to examine the reproductive structures of fungi. Approximately 2 days before you anticipate reaching the Lab for CU3 M2, print the document linked below and follow the instructions to prepare your spore prints:
Lab Preparation for CU3 M2 (Google Doc)
This experiment is much less time sensitive than culturing the bacteria for CU3 M1. As long as your spore print sits undisturbed for at least 2 days, but not long enough to start growing mold or decay, you will be able to obtain results. At the beginning of the next Module there will be a reminder to start your spore print.