During Science Club on Tuesday, 04 March, students prepared an intriguing experiment to grow microbes. They used petri dishes filled with agar jelly, dividing each dish into four sections for comparison. Students then used the following techniques to each section of the agar jelly:

1. Unwashed finger: In the first section, students pressed an unwashed finger onto the jelly.
2. Water-washed finger: In the second section, a finger washed with water only was used.
3. Soap and water-washed finger: The third section received a finger that had been washed with both soap and water.
4. Sanitiser-coated finger: Finally, the fourth section had a finger that was not only washed with soap and water but also had an additional coating of hand sanitiser.

This experiment was meticulously conducted using aseptic techniques to ensure that the experimental area remained free of any unwanted microbes. The petri dishes were labelled then sealed and put into incubation for a week. On Tuesday, 11 March participants will find out what microbes have grown.

This valuable session enabled students to gain a deeper understanding of microbiology concepts as well as an enhanced awareness of hygiene, its impact on health and the importance of washing hands regularly.