Today we had a three hour lab so that we could learn how to work different types of pipettes and work with bacteria cultures.
I really enjoyed getting to take a lot of time In the lab because in my AP Bio class we only had 45 minutes to complete a lab that might take an hour to an hour and a half.
We learned how to calibrate a small-volume micropipettor along with a large-volume micropipettor. I had a little trouble at first with getting the right measurements but once I got that part of the lab down I was on my way. I messed up the whole lab about two times and like they say, third time's a charm. We had to measure certain amounts of certain liquids into specific tubes and I kept putting the wrong amount of liquid in the tube, or forgetting if I had put the liquid in. Once I got the right liquids in the right place I used a microfuge for the fist time. I learned that you have to balance it out by placing the tubes equal distances apart.
I was really glad that I was able to do this lab because if I needed to do this for a lab that affected my grade I would have really had a hard time.
The professor realizes that some of us have not used any of the equipment so I appreciated the opportunity.
There was also the other part of the lab where we had to transfer two different strands of E. coli - one ampacilin resistant and the other not. I placed both strands on a tray with ampacilin and one with agar. Agar is just food for the bacteria. I have to wait to see if I did it correctly tomorrow because it needs to be incubated overnight.
I can't wait for tomorrows lab!
Megan,
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing what you can do with the right tools and a system that's designed to promote your education? Public education is often stuck with systems that went out of style decades ago and with extremely limited resources. Just how are you supposed to prepare yourself without the backing you need?
Isn't it also great to have an instructor that understands the you may need special assistance, help or even time so you can properly learn the subject matter?
Just curious, though, from your blog I couldn't tell what your goal with the e.coli strands were. Was it just to transfer them onto a tray or are they supposed to do something once they get there? Inquiring minds want to know.