Media Preparation Virtual Lab
Description
The Media Preparation Virtual Lab guides students through preparing microbial culture media and pouring agar plates, using interactive cartoon tools at a virtual lab bench. Students first prepare a safe workspace. They then calculate and weigh the media powder on a digital balance, dissolve it, and adjust the pH. Next, they dispense and autoclave the medium, then pour plates using aseptic technique. Finally, they label the plates correctly and store them upside-down. A troubleshooting section and a comprehensive final quiz complete the lab.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lab, students will be able to prepare a contamination-free workspace and calculate and accurately weigh culture media using a digital balance. They will dissolve media, check and adjust pH, and sterilize media by autoclaving, recognizing when membrane filtration is needed for heat-sensitive components. Students will pour agar plates using correct aseptic technique, then label and store them properly. They will also identify common preparation errors and explain how each affects media quality and sterility.