Microbiology in Action: Biotechnology

by Assistant Head of School for Academics David Long

Creativity. Innovation. Collaboration. Interdisciplinary Learning. These are the things that come to mind when one hears about the new Upper Learning class Microbiology in Action: Biotechnology that is co-taught by UL science teacher Elizabeth Sanders and UL technology and computer science teacher MariaPaola Jimenez. Ms. Sanders and Ms. Jimenez partnered together to create an interdisciplinary class that infuses an understanding of microbiology with design thinking and biodesign.

For example, the first unit focused on kombucha, a fermented product made by a symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria. Students cultured their own samples of kombucha, observing the microbes microscopically and the development of the microcellulose biofilm that the bacteria build at the surface. Students researched the real-world applications of bacterial microcellulose (from fashion to biomedical products) and used it to create product prototypes, which ranged from the decorative (butterfly ornament) to the utilitarian (lampshade).

The next unit will take a different approach as students will learn about the design thinking process first with Ms. Jimenez and apply their knowledge to create a mould using 3D design. Students will use mycelium to grow materials from those moulds.  These will become mycelium-based products that vary in weight, strength and flexibility and can be used in packaging, acoustics, insulation, construction systems, containers, etc. They will use mycelium for the mould that they will grow in class under Ms. Sanders’s guidance. The goal is to help students learn about design thinking, spatial reasoning, and biotechnology, and apply it to solve a real world challenge.  

When asked about what she enjoyed about the class, Jessica Schwartz (‘21) shared “I like learning about the science, and more importantly, how to apply it to create practical solutions for real world problems.” This is just a another example of Galloway faculty creating an opportunity for students to play the game of learning, while preparing them for life beyond our walls!