Day 2: Microorganism Investigation
STEP 1: Now we’re shifting our focus to living organisms—specifically, the tiny ones you can’t see with your eyes: microorganisms. These include bacteria, protozoa, algae, and more. They’re small, but they play a huge role in life on Earth. Watch the videos below carefully to learn more about this hidden world. As you watch, think about where microorganisms live, what they do, and why they matter.
STEP 2: Today, you’ll become a microbe explorer! First, we’ll use our Foldscopes to look at tiny living things—microorganisms—that live in everyday items like yogurt and kombucha. These microbes are too small to see with your eyes, but with your Foldscope, you’ll discover a hidden world! Then, we’ll venture outside to collect samples from the environment—like soil, puddle water, or leaves—and come back in to investigate what’s living out there, too! Using the materials provided, follow the instructions below carefully.
- Place a drop of yogurt on a slide. Investigate and take a picgture through your phone.
- (Tip: When looking at yogurt under your Foldscope, use just a tiny dab—less than a pea-sized amount—and mix it with a drop of water on your slide to thin it out. Spread it evenly and cover it with a clear sheet. You’ll be looking for small, rod-shaped bacteria called lactobacillus, which may look like tiny moving lines or dots. Focus slowly and use good lighting to help bring the shapes into view. Click here for a video of what you might see. While it wasn’t taken using a Foldscope, it gives a good idea of what to look out for).
- Place a drop of kombucha on another slide. Investigate and take a picgture through your phone.
- (Tip: When looking at kombucha under your Foldscope, use a tiny piece of the stringy SCOBY layer rather than just the liquid. Flatten it on the slide with a drop of water to help spread it out. Look closely for round yeast cells or rod-shaped bacteria, and adjust your focus slowly to spot moving microbes. Use a well-lit background, and remember to clean your tools between samples if you’re comparing different things. Click here for a video of what you might see. While it wasn’t taken using a Foldscope, it gives a good idea of what to look out for).
STEP 3: This time, we’re heading outside! You’ll collect samples from creek or pond water and soil, then come back in to investigate them using your Foldscope. These samples may be trickier than yogurt or kombucha, so be patient, go slow, and take your time adjusting focus and lighting. You’ve got this! Great scientists are also great explorers. Using the materials provided, follow the instructions below carefully.
- Place a small drop of your collected water onto a slide and look through your Foldscope. Take a picture using your phone.
- (Tip: Let the water settle for a minute before placing a drop on your slide. Try to include some floating material or small particles from the water—this is often where microorganisms live. Cover with a clear sheet, use good lighting, and focus slowly. You might see swimming protozoa, algae cells, or tiny larvae. It may take a few tries to spot something moving! Click here for a video of the process and what you might see.)
- Collect a small pinch of soil and/or soft dirt from beneath the grass. and mix it with a drop of water in a small cup. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a drop from the top (where it’s clearer) on your slide and investigate. Take a picture using your phone
- (Tip: Soil is full of microbes, but many hide! Look for fungal strands (long, hair-like filaments), bacteria (tiny moving dots or rods), or amoeba-like blobs. Try slides from different soil depths. Adjust your light carefully—it really helps! Click here for a video of the process and what you might see.)
STEP 4: Now that you’ve looked at different samples, compare what you saw. What looked similar? What looked different? Think about the videos you watched earlier—can you guess what kinds of microorganisms you might be seeing?
Choose your best pictures (2-3) and upload them using the QR code below. You will need to make separate posts and that’s ok. In the “Write something…” area, describe what each picture shows and how the samples compare. What do you think you’re looking at? How are the samples the same or different? Click here to see all posts.
Be curious—and take your best guess!
