Algae as Microbiology TEST v0.1

Algae Bioprospecting Kit – TEST v0.1 (Education Innovation Study Participant Edition)

Price: $0 (invited educators)
Audience: Elementary – College educators invited to participate in Phase I field testing.
Grant Program: U.S. Department of Education SBIR Phase IA (#91990025C0094)
Awardee: Algae Research and Supply Inc. (Carlsbad, CA)
Project Title: Accessible Microbiology: Algae Bioprospecting as a Gateway to STEM

About the Project

This pilot kit is part of a federally funded research study led by Algae Research and Supply to create an accessible, hands-on microbiology experience using microalgae as the model organism. Teachers accepted into the pilot will help shape the final version of the Microalgae Bioprospecting Kit, which will be distributed nationwide after Phase I testing.

By joining this free pilot, you are contributing data and feedback to the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences SBIR program to improve STEM curricula focused on microbiology, environmental science, and experimental design.

What’s Included in TEST v0.1

Each educator will receive a prototype kit containing a subset of materials being evaluated for usability and classroom performance YOUR KIT CONTENTS WILL VARY AS YOU ARE THE TEST SUBJECT:

• Sample Collection Tubes (15 mL or 2.0 mL variants for comparison)

• Freshwater Algae Agar Plates – some with antibiotics, some without (for selective media testing)

• Algae Culture Media for liquid growth experiments

• Light source, (Maybe...) LED illumination test group

• Instructional Guide (SOP v0.1) for environmental sampling, culturing, and isolation

• Feedback Form and QR Link to submit observations and photos

All pilot kits are for educational use only and not for diagnostic or commercial applications.

Your Role as a Pilot Teacher

Participants will:

1. Follow the provided SOP to collect a local sample (water, soil, plant, or air).

2. Incubate the sample for approximately one week.

3. Plate and/or scale up cultures as directed.

4. Complete a brief feedback survey documenting student engagement, clarity of instructions, and results.

Teacher feedback will inform design choices for the Phase I final prototype and Phase II citizen science database.

Eligibility and Selection

Over 200 educators registered for this program; we will select a balanced sample representing:

• Elementary (Grades 3–5)

• Middle School (Grades 6–8)

• High School (Grades 9–12)

• College/University introductory biology courses

Preference will be given to teachers willing to share feedback and student outcomes within the testing window.

Participation Notes

• There is no cost for the TEST v0.1 kit; shipping is covered by the grant.

• Kits will ship in waves as pilot groups are confirmed.

• Teacher data will be aggregated and de-identified for research purposes in accordance with ED/IES policy on human subjects research.

• Participants will be acknowledged in the Phase I Final Report submitted to the U.S. Department of Education.

Why Participate

• Help shape a nationally funded STEM innovation.

• Give students a real research experience in microbiology and citizen science.

• Receive priority access to Phase II classroom tools and curriculum materials.