Microalgae as Microbiology: Pilot Study
Microalgae as Microbiology: Pilot Study
Accessible Microbiology through Algae Bioprospecting
We are inviting a small group of educators to participate in a pilot study exploring how microalgae can be used to teach microbiology, experimental design, and environmental science in the classroom.
This project is part of a federally funded SBIR Phase I effort to develop a classroom-ready microalgae bioprospecting kit designed for grades 7–12.
What You’ll Do
Participants will implement one of the following classroom projects:
-
Mixed Marine Microalgae Project
- Duration: 3–5 weeks
- Best for MS, HS, College
- Uses known marine microalgae strains to isolate and find "unknowns" in mixed algae culture.
- Salt Water agar is designed to support non-pathogenic photosynthetic organisms under conditions (light, salinity, and nutrients) that are less favorable to common human-associated bacteria and fungi, providing a lower-risk alternative for classroom microbiology activities when used with standard laboratory practices.
-or-
-
Microalgae Bioprospecting Kit Project
- Duration: 5–8 weeks (includes two rounds of culturing and isolation)
- Best for HS and College
- Students collect environmental samples and isolate, culture, and characterize unknown microalgae through iterative rounds of growth and experimental design.
- Freshwater agar is designed to support microalgae and is not formulated to promote most bacteria, but some freshwater bacteria and fungi may still grow, so standard laboratory safety practices should be followed; if safety is a primary concern, instructors should use the saltwater agar kit.
What You Receive
Participants will receive:
- Full classroom kit (materials for ~30 students)
- Benchtop incubator and algae light
- All consumables required for the project
- Instructional materials, curriculum, and support from ARS
- $200 store credit as compensation
Required Training (Choose One)
To participate, you must attend one short training session:
- Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (1:00PM Pacific Time aka 4:00PM Eastern)
- Wednesday, April 1, 2026 (4:00PM Pacific Time aka 7:00PM Eastern)
- Duration: ~35 minutes
Training sessions will cover:
- How to run the project in your classroom
- Best practices for culturing and isolating algae
- How to collect and report feedback
Sign up via our Kalender link below.
Timeline
- Training: March 31 or April 1
- Kits Ship: Following week (Wednesday–Thursday)
- Start Date: Projects should begin the week of April 6; initial setup requires approximately one class period (~1 hour), followed by several weeks of organism growth and brief follow-up/reisolation steps (10–30 minutes).
Participation Expectations
Why This Matters
Microalgae are responsible for over half of global photosynthesis yet are rarely included in classroom instruction. This project aims to make microbiology more accessible, hands-on, and relevant by giving students the opportunity to work with real organisms and conduct real experiments.
Your participation directly contributes to improving science education tools and expanding access to meaningful lab experiences.
Who Should Apply
- Middle school, high school, and college biology and environmental science teachers
- Biology, environmental science, marine science, or STEM educators
- Teachers interested in hands-on, inquiry-based learning
Standards Alignment
|
Framework |
Alignment Area | What Students Do |
|---|---|---|
| NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) | Science & Engineering Practices | Ask questions, design experiments, collect and analyze data, construct explanations |
| Crosscutting Concepts | Identify patterns, cause and effect, systems, and energy flow in biological systems | |
| Disciplinary Core Ideas (LS1, LS2, LS4) | Explore photosynthesis, ecosystems, microbial interactions, and adaptation | |
| AP Biology | Inquiry & Experimental Design | Design controlled experiments, analyze results, and justify conclusions |
| Cellular Processes & Energy | Investigate photosynthesis, respiration, and metabolic activity | |
| Ecology & Systems | Model population dynamics, nutrient cycling, and environmental responses | |
| AP Environmental Science (APES) | Ecosystems & Energy Flow | Examine primary productivity, trophic structure, and nutrient cycles |
| Human Impacts & Sustainability | Connect algae to carbon cycling, water systems, and environmental solutions | |
| State Standards (CA NGSS, TEKS, NGSSS, etc.) | Laboratory Investigations | Conduct hands-on lab work aligned to required science practices |
| Data Analysis & Scientific Reasoning | Interpret results, graph data, and communicate findings | |
| STEM / Career Readiness | Scientific Literacy | Develop skills in microbiology, biotechnology, and environmental science |
| Real-World Applications | Engage in bioprospecting, applied science, and citizen science concepts |
Sign Up for the Training!!! LINK HERE!!