Lesson 3: Biotechnology & Microbes

Prepare for lesson:

• Review Microbes activity guide  and Microbes Know How to Work
  
• Supplies for class:
  • Thermometer(s)
  • 2 large tubs to hold ice and bottles
  • Bag of ice
• Supplies for groups (3 youth):
  • 3 small empty water/soda bottles
  • 45 sugar cubes
  • 3 balloons
  • 3 packets of baking yeast
  • 3 rubber bands

During the lesson:

• Introduce the concept of microbes by asking youth: 
  • What are microbes?
• Listen for and share example of its use in environmental engineering (see guide for examples)
• Emphasize their role as engineers in today’s activity.
• Share that yeast is the microbe they’ll be using. Ask them:
  • Do they know how it’s used everyday? Examples: bread, beer. 
  • Also used to make ethanol which is a biofuel. Discuss biofuel.
• Watch the Microbes Know How to Work video with youth