Teaching “Crafty Microbiology”: Safely Teaching Hands-On Microbiology Skills at Home ^†

Abstract

Using nontoxic craft items and disposable lab consumables, we have developed nine modules to teach fundamental, hands-on microbiology lab skills safely at home. These “Crafty” teaching modules can be paired with virtual instruction and/or data collected by an instructor to replicate traditional microbiology lab exercises that characterize an unknown microbe.

An Upper-Division, Remote Microbiology Laboratory That Blends Virtual and Hands-on Components to Promote Student Success during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Conversely, students in online lab classes would benefit from experiencing hands-on components. The Crafty techniques ( 58 ), or the hands-on activities described here, would improve any online microbiology lab course, better preparing students. We were horrified at the thought of one of our students going to a job or graduate school interview and stating that they did not get to handle microbes in their microbiology lab course.…”

Microbiology at Home (M@H): an Online, Self-Paced Solution To Enhance Practical Skills in Foundation Microbiology

“…Another alternative is preassembled kits that may be purchased from commercial suppliers, containing live microbes and usually aimed to demonstrate a limited number of techniques ( 4 , 5 ). Some kits on the market include craft accessories that are aimed at mimicking microbial lab procedures ( 6 , 7 ). Importantly, none of these options offers an integrative experience, which would encompass a full curriculum using a variety of techniques and learning resources.…”