Innovating Science® - Antimicrobial Properties of Essential Oils

Essential oils have been used for a variety of purposes throughout history for their scents, flavors, and pharmacological properties. Some oils are commonly used in cleaning products, but which ones are most effective? In this activity, students will perform the Kirby-Bauer test on a variety of essential oils to determine their antimicrobial efficacy.

This kit includes enough materials for 15 groups of students, a Teacher's Manual, and a Student Study Guide copymaster.

Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)*
Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS1.A; LS1.B; LS2.A; LS2.C; LS4.B; LS4.D; ETS1.B
Performance Expectations: MS-LS1-5; MS-LS2-2; MS-LS2-5; HS-LS1-3; HS-LS2-2
Cross Cutting Concepts: Patterns; Cause and Effect; Scientific Knowledge Assumes Order and Consistency in Natural Systems.
Engineering Practices: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions; Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking; Analyzing and Interpreting Data; Scientific Knowledge is Based on Empirical Evidence.

Kit Contents:
Peppermint Oil, 10 mL with Dropper
Lavender Oil, 10 mL with Dropper
Cinnamon Oil, 10 mL with Dropper
Lemon Oil, 10 mL with Dropper
Balsam Oil, 10 mL with Dropper
2 x 200 mL Nutrient Agar
3 x Nutrient Broth Tubes
15 x Sterile Cotton Swabs, 2-pack
20 x Petri Dishes
2 x Blank Sterile Disks, 50-pack
5 x Forceps

Materials Needed but Not Supplied:
Test Tube Racks
Tape
Markers
Metric Rulers
Hot Water Bath or Microwave Oven

DOT Info:
UN1993; Combustible liquid, n. o. s., (Cinnamon oil, madagascar, 5-Allyl-1, 3-benzodioxole); Limited quantity equal or less than 5 L.

*"Next Generation Science Standards" is a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards was involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.

 WARNING: This product can expose you to a chemical, Safrole which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to http://www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Innovating Science® products are For Laboratory Use Only