Biological assays, or bioassays, are powerful tools that allow scientists to determine the effects of a given substance on living organisms. In this inquiry-based Edvotek lab students plan and perform a plant bioassay to determine the environmental hazard of common point and non-point source pollutants. The results are analyzed using averages, standard deviations, and TC50 calculations, integrating STEM.
For 10 student groups.
Time required: 2 hours, 15 minutes (plus 1 week growing).
Kit Includes: instructions, radish seeds, plant growth medium, antifungal powder, pollutant solutions, cheese cloth, petri dishes, transfer pipettes, seriological pipette, conical tubes, microcentrifuge tubes, small loops.
All you need: waterbath, pipet pump, microwave or hot plate, 70% ethanol, sterile water, bleach, adjustable micropipette and tips, parafilm, string, rulers, growth light (optional), analytical balance (optional).