Lab report needs to include:
– introduction that describes the purpose of the experiment
– Includes a clearly stated aim for the experiment Makes one or two hypotheses, but only one can be tested using the data to be collected
-Good description of the protocol, including most steps to facilitate reproducibility
-Uses text and drawings to describe results; drawings are appropriately labelled
-Makes links between relevant observations, Addresses findings related to at least one hypothesis
-Briefly explains observations on the basis of microscopy and Gram staining method
-One or two errors in the use of scientific terminology throughout. Maximum length 4 pages. Arial, font size 12; single spaced. If uses references – correct Vancouver referencing; most references relevant & credible
Procedure for the lab:
1. With a toothpick place one drop of water onto a slide. 2. With a new toothpick take a small amount of your own tooth plaque into the water drop and emulsify; spread out the drop as much as possible. The emulsion should not be too thick. PLACE THE TOOTHPICK INTO THE CONTAMINATED WASTE BEAKER.
3. “Heat-fix” the slide with the specimen by passing it over a heat source, such as a flame, several times using forceps or a clothes peg. The slide should be passed very quickly through the flame and not be heated excessively. Place slide on the staining tray.
4. Add about 5 drops of CRYSTAL VIOLET stain over the fixed culture. Allow to stand for 60 seconds.
5. Gently, rinse off the crystal violet with distilled water. 6. Add about 5 drops of the IODINE SOLUTION on to the smear, enough to cover the fixed culture. Allow to stand for 30 seconds.
7. Rinse off the iodine solution with distilled water. Shake off the excess water from the surface.
8. Add a few drops of ETHANOL SOLUTION so the solution trickles down the slide. Rinse it off with water after 5 seconds. The exact time to stop is when the solvent is no longer coloured as it flows over the slide. Further flow will cause excess decolorization and the purpose of staining will be defeated.
9. Counterstain with 5 drops of the SAFRANIN solution for 20 – 30 seconds.
10. Rinse off the safranin with distilled water.
11. Dry the slide on absorbent paper. Alternatively, the slide may be shaken to remove most of the water and then air-dried.
No further instructions were given.