Drawing real-world connections in your classroom is a surefire way to create unique learning experiences. This lab activity is geared at giving your students hands-on experience with the concepts of evolution and antibiotic resistance in a completely safe environment. Using a bacterial population of E. coli and observing its response to ampicillin, your students can visualize the process of natural selection right in your classroom.

Using 2 strains of Escherichia coli, one sensitive to antibiotics and the other antibiotic resistant, perform experiments to develop a model of the real-time evolution of antibiotic resistant E. coli.

PE: HS-LS4-2
Related PE: HS-LS4-3
Time Requirement: 3 45-minute Class Periods

SEP: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
CCC: Cause and Effect
DCI: LS4.B: Natural Selection; LS4.C: Adaptation

Looking for an engaging activity that blends the topic of evolution with the real-world issue of antibiotic resistance? In this experiment, students observe firsthand the evolution of a bacterial population's resistance to antibiotics over generations. It gives students the opportunity to use sterile technique, perform serial dilutions, plate bacteria, and understand the process of natural selection. The 8-Station Kits (items #171206 and #171206P) are designed for 8 groups of 2 to 4 students each. The 1-Station Kits (items #171205 and #171205P) are designed for 1 group of 2 to 4 students. All kits include 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction. Note:Order the kit with the perishables included or with a voucher to request perishables at your convenience. Contact us or return the voucher to request delivery of perishable materials.