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Making with Microbes

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Introduction  

Ever wanted to make your own paper or plastic? Or create leather that doesn’t use animals? Why not try collaborating with microbes —  tiny microscopic organisms —  to design and grow a custom biomaterial at home! 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 your collaborators, they can also grow interesting and different pieces of biomaterial for you!  

Design Challenge

Grow your own unique piece of biomaterial and make something creative with it!

Subject

Biology, Biodesign

Ages

8+

Time

Mix: 30 min  |  Grow: 1-3 weeks

Dry: 1-2 days  |  Create: 30 min

Key Concepts

Living systems, biomaterials, microbes, fermentation

This activity was made possible by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA), Grant Number R25 GM129220, from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

Getting Started

Learn more with our videos