Source Institutions
Source Institutions
Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square250/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-951.jpg?itok=Q7bAZGvW)
In this design challenge, learners will use microbes to design and grow a custom biomaterial at home and make something creative with it. This biomaterial is made by the millions of living yeast and bacteria that normally work together to produce kombucha, a fermented tea. But, depending on what you feed them, they can also grow interesting and different pieces of biomaterial for you. Includes step-by-step instructions with microbe care tips, an extensive suggested materials list to use when choosing how you want to grow your biomaterial, and suggested personalization extensions. A Spanish version of the activity is also available. Please note: this is a long activity so a quick start guide is included.
- 30 to 45 minutes
- 1 to 7 days
- $5 - $10 per student
- Ages 8 - adult
- Activity
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Note: Refer to activity guide for ingredients and materials that you should NOT use to grow your biomaterial.
- Microbe Food: sugar sources (white sugar, agave syrup, brown sugar, molasses, or maple syrup)
- Microbe Food: tea types (black, green, oolong, or white)
- Growth Containers (Tupperware, plastic tubs, glass jars, bowls, or cups)
- Growth Container Covers (coffee filter, clean cloth, paper towel, or lid with holes punched in it)
- Drying Surfaces (plastic wrap, place mat, wax paper, baking mat, or bendy plastic)
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering
-
Engineering
-
Life Sciences
-
Diversity of Life
- Viruses and Bacteria
- Protists and Fungi
-
Diversity of Life
-
The Nature of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Invention and Innovation
-
The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Food and Cooking
Other
Foreign language versions of this resource:
- Spanish: Spanish activity webpage
- Spanish: Activity Video (Spanish)
- Spanish: Spanish quick start guide
- Spanish: Spanish activity guide
Components that are part of this resource:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, The Tech Interactive, 2020
Funding Source:
- SEPA