# source for lab techniques **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 27, 2000, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-for-lab-techniques/30943 "2000-08-27T18:15:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![CC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f1d935/32.png) [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2000, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-for-lab-techniques/30943/1 "2000-08-27T18:15:17Z")
It doesn’t seem that the SD traffics in these types of questions, but in the absence of any other success, I turn to the teeming masses: Is there an internet source of laboratory techniques for science teachers? I have not been successful in preparing culture media for bacteria in the classroom, and I’d really like some help. Any ideas, folks? ---
**Author:** ![AmyJohn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/90ced4/32.png) [@AmyJohn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AmyJohn)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2000, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-for-lab-techniques/30943/2 "2000-08-27T18:55:48Z")
I’m not sure about internet sources, but you might want to try going to the university nearest you. I work in a lab here at LSU, and the bulk of our techniques come from the techniques used in previous research which we find at the univeristy’s library. There should be a scientific abstract index on computer to aid in your search at the library. I would suggest searching for “culturing” and whatever kind of bacteria you want to grow. ---
**Author:** ![AmyJohn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/90ced4/32.png) [@AmyJohn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AmyJohn)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2000, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-for-lab-techniques/30943/3 "2000-08-27T19:06:10Z")
Of course, depending on the type of bacteria you want to culture, plain old agar might do. Just boil some water, throw in some agar (available from a science supply store) according to the recipe on the container, pour agar into a petri dish and cover. When ready, inoculate the plate and store in 37 degrees Celcius. ---
**Author:** ![labdude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/5fc32e/32.png) [@labdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/labdude)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2000, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-for-lab-techniques/30943/4 "2000-08-28T01:18:35Z")
Back in the old agar making days… we used the “DIFCO Manuel” available for free from DIFCO laboratory supply company in Detroit. Also that kids science show on CBS saturday morning tv had an episode on making agar at home. Anyone remember the name of that show wit the science guy and the giant man-rat? ---
**Author:** ![ellis555](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e36b37/32.png) [@ellis555](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ellis555)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2000, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-for-lab-techniques/30943/5 "2000-08-28T02:27:37Z")
Try [Current Protocols](http://www.wiley.com/cp/). But, really, unless you’re trying to grow something fairly picky and fragile, which I would assume is not the case, as you mentioned this is for a class, AmyJohn’s suggestion should do the trick. -ellis ---
**Author:** ![AmyJohn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/90ced4/32.png) [@AmyJohn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AmyJohn)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2000, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-for-lab-techniques/30943/6 "2000-08-28T03:25:27Z")
labdude, the show you are referring to is Beakman’s World. ---
**Author:** ![Yeah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/dbc845/32.png) [@Yeah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yeah)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2000, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-for-lab-techniques/30943/7 "2000-08-28T03:51:09Z")
The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) is a combination scientific society, trade union, and lobbying organization for microbiologists. They take a real interest in science education. I suggest you contact them to see if they have some materials or at least suggestions. They are located in Washington DC but can be found at [http://www.asm.org](http://www.asm.org). ---
**Author:** ![honkytonkwillie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3da27b/32.png) [@honkytonkwillie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/honkytonkwillie)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2000, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-for-lab-techniques/30943/8 "2000-08-28T07:10:50Z")
CC - you’ve come to the right place. I make a living growing bacteria in my lab. Big herds of 'em. Tell us more of what you had in mind. I’m at a loss for internet resources though. Fortunately, the techniques are rather simple. Someone mentioned DIFCO. They make lots of culture media, and it is very easy to use. I use it myself.