Beads and 'Biomes: A Hands-On Classroom Activity for Understanding the Effects of Antibiotics on the Microbiome

Abstract

The issue of antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens is often misunderstood. Here, we present an activity that debunks misconceptions regarding microorganisms, such as bacterial pathogens, and addresses how antibiotics work. We propose this activity be incorporated into middle or high school classrooms addressing both this real-world issue and elements from the Next Generation Science Standards. Students are encouraged to use hands-on experiences toward hypothesis development and testing to better understand how antibiotic resistance is spread among bacterial pathogens and commensals. Over half of the students who participated in this activity self-reported that they were likely to share the information they learned outside of their classroom, reflecting real-time impacts on science stewardship in students. This activity also presents students with an issue that has clear action items they can undertake to effect positive change.