The Microbes on the Move: Exploring microbiomes through mobile museum experiences project is a pop-up museum that travels across the state of Kansas to inform communities about the diversity of microorganisms and their role in natural global cycles. With the focus of illustrating the world of microbes through museum collections and living microbial communities, the project encourages elementary-age children and their families to learn about the major microbe groups; to understand and appreciate the diverse nature of microorganisms; to discover connections between microbes and their local environment, and to experience microbes as living organisms through dynamic displays. Interactive activities featured in the exhibit include collecting microbe samples from their local environment to culture fungi and create living art, assembling mini-microbial gardens using Winogradsky columns, and using USB microscopes and Foldscopes to observe individual microorganisms. This mobile museum is funded by the MAPS project.

Contact Dr. Teresa MacDonald for more information

We support community outreach efforts at the Konza Environmental Education Program (KEEP) with funding from the MAPS project. Our faculty researchers help create Fact Sheets about various microbiome themed topics. Docent volunteers use these Fact Sheets to lead informative nature hikes at the Konza Prairie Biological Station. The KEEP program also offers tours, hands-on exploration activities, and field trip opportunities for both the community and K-12 students throughout the academic year.

FACT SHEET: Microbial Life of the Prairie (PDF)

FACT SHEET: Prairie Soils (PDF)

FACT SHEET: Water at KONZA (PDF)

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