Microbiology Gram Stain Lab

The Gram stain lab is one of my favorite microbiology activities in biology because the results are vivid and students are able to observe many attributes about bacteria, from cell wall structure to the colony arrangement. This is my time–honored, field–tested lab version.

This lab manual

• Reiterates lab safety in regards to the handling of the stains used and exercising care with the Bunsen burner flame
• Contains explicit, user-friendly instructions
• Offers tips to expedite the procedure
• Includes a few microscope tips
• Reinforces the difference in outer structure between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
• Reinforces Latin root words
• Helps students make connections between the culture’s scientific name and the actual bacterial shape and colony
• Has students research antibiotics that are effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria

My students first perform this structural stain in freshman biology on an unknown colony sample collected on a Petri dish from a fomite object in my classroom. I have students in my advanced second year biology class conduct this lab version on six pure cultures from the science supply corporation. This lab manual is best suited for working with pure cultures of bacteria.

I published this resource as a 2010 Microsoft Word document to allow you to edit it in the event you opt to use different strains of bacteria.

This lab manual is six pages long and seven with the cover page. I included a four-page key with the answers and labeled illustrations in color.

This lab activity complements other resources I have published about bacteria in the field of microbiology

Bacteria Homework Quiz

Microbiology Unit Review Packet (Bacteria and Viruses)

Bacterial Classification by Mode of Nutrition and Gas Exchange Worksheet

Bacterial Shape and Colony Naming and Drawing Worksheet

Classification of Bacteria Concept Map/Graphic Organizer

Protist, Fungi, Bacteria, & Virus Tournament Bracket Challenge

Thank you for your interest. I have eighteen years of publishing experience at the time of this product release. Order with confidence! This resource will serve you well.