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2023 Guidelines for best practice for microbiology in Australian schools - Edition 2, is an updated revision of the “2017 Guidelines for best practice for microbiology in Australian schools”.
WLNA and WLDA Agar plates: One of our Science teachers has asked for these specific agar plates that are used for culturing microorganisms associated with brewing and fermentation. He is going to use these agars to test cider batches. WLNA Agar is used to culture yeasts and WLDA Agar to culture bacteria. Are WLNA and WLDA Agar allowed to be used in schools?
COVID-19 and science activities:
There is much conjecture about the need and safety of carrying out microbiology experiments in the school laboratory setting, especially in light of the recent pandemic caused by COVID-19. In general, specific precautions should always be taken when performing microbiological experiments and perhaps even more so in a COVID environment. Considerations for example:
Growing mould on bread: What are the recommendations, guidelines, and policies relating to students growing mould on food products such as bread?
Sterilisation of microbiological waste: Science ASSIST has received a number of questions, which all relate to this topic, we will cover all of these in this question.
Q1. What does sterilisation mean and what are the correct conditions for sterilisation to occur in an autoclave/pressure cooker? Can I use a kitchen pressure cooker to sterilise my microbiological waste?
Q2. Can I sterilise microbiological waste in an autoclave bag with a biohazard symbol then put it in the general waste bin?
Safety issues are a significant consideration in the teaching of microbiology as the subject is practical-based and there is potential for exposure to infectious organisms. It is the strict observance of correct procedures, which enables staff and students to work safely.
These guidelines outline the underpinning knowledge and laboratory techniques required for schools to successfully prepare, deliver and disassemble microbiology practical activities.
Decomposition of organic matter: Isolating fungi and bacteria from grass cuttings: We are a school in tropical north Queensland. Can we conduct an experiment that requires wiping grass cuttings onto agar plates to look for fungi and bacteria that may be present? We will incubate the plates for 24hrs at 37oC and use forceps that have been sterilised in a Bunsen flame.
