KS2 Useful Microbes

What will you learn?

This lesson highlights useful microbes needed in food production and digestion. In the activity, Yeast Races, students observe first-hand how microbes can be put to good use in the food industry by observing how yeast makes dough rise through the process of fermentation.

Activities include:

• "Yeast races", where students observe how yeast makes dough rise through the process of fermentation.
• "Yummy yogurt", where students observe changes to milk after yogurt culture is incubated.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand that some microbes can keep us healthy.
• Understand that some microbes can be put to good use.
• Know that microbes grow at different rates depending on their environments.

Requirements:

• 2 plastic cups
• Flour
• Yeast solution
• Sugar
• 2 Graduated cylinders (or other container with measurements on the side)
• Basin
• Hot water

Curriculum Links:

• Science: Working Scientifically, Living things and their habitats
• English: Reading & Comprehension
• RSHE: Health & Prevention
• Design & Technology: Cooking & Nutrition
• Mathematics: Comparing measurements