You will need :

tape;
marker;
sterile cotton buds.

Rub the cotton bud along the surface to be tested, then lightly rub it onto the agar plate and seal with tape.

Label the agar plate using the marker. Incubate for 24 hours..

Items to be tested may include:
- toilet seat;
- cough;
- hand rail;
- finger tips.
Do not open the petri dishes after incubation.

Consider the agar plates after incubation.

What types of micro-organisms appear on the items you tested?

How many different types of bacteria are there in each agar?

Are there common bacteria that appear on most surfaces?

How do microbiologists identify bacteria that may be involved in food poisoning?

Design and conduct an investigation to see:

- how hygienic is the dish washing cloth at home.
- if washing clothes reduces the amount of micro-organisms found on the clothing.
- if washing with hot water is better in removing micro-organisms than washing with cold water.