The Microbial Life project website has not been significantly updated since 2009. We are preserving the content here because it still contains useful content. But be aware that it may have out of date information.

Special Collections for the K-12 Classroom


Explore the amazing world of microbes using our Special Collections! For teachers, discover a wealth of related resources, teaching strategies, and activities that have been developed by collaborating projects and fellow educators.



The Winogradsky Column is an excellent activity, specifically for grades 5 - 12, to demonstrate the growth of microorganisms. Building a Winogradsky Column is both inexpensive and effective, offering students a memorable hands-on experience. The resources provided will help you get started. Have fun in the mud!


Living in the Microbial World is a summer workshop for middle and high school educators, hosted by the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA. This on-line collection represents resources and activities developed for, and as a result of, the collaboration between teacher participants and Woods Hole scientists.


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