Australia's Science Forum

Hi All I did that same course (Science Laboratory Attending) at Bankstown Tafe in 1990 and 1991. I did the course externally as I was living in country NSW at the time. I had to complete a week of prac at the tafe each year. I think they are still offering it. I recommend it I just wish I could reme...

Thanks everyone for your input. I have used the peptone and beef extract before without any luck. Can anyone tell me if the peptone is supposed to be rock hard, I have to chisel it out of the bottle. If so what is the trick to getting it out.

Thanks Nicky

Hi All I have been having problems with my agar plates. The recipe I use is 15g agar 1L distilled water. I have sterile petri dishes. The agar sets perfectly the problem is that nothing grows, its like the agar is sterile. The students picked up germs from everywhere eg. coughing into plate etc. we ...

Hi Anastasia I have 48 hours notice as I have only been doing this job for 6 months. Most of the time the teachers give me plenty of time to make up pracs. Sometimes I get half days notice; if its an easy prac to set up ie. no solutions to make up then I will happily do it. My teachers are great and...

Thanks Robyn you've been a great help and yes the fax did come through.


Cheers Nicky

Hi Robyn

Do you have any idea where I can get my hands on "The bible" called The Laboratory. I have searched the web with no results. Can you or any one help.

Cheers Nicky

Hi Can anyone tell me if there is a substitute for aceto orcein stain. We are doing MITOSIS IN ROOT TIPS prac which involves growing onion roots then chopping them off and looking at them under the microscope this is when aceto orcein stain is needed before the cover slip is put on. Can I just any s...

Thanks guys I will take all you suggestions on board. Gotta love this website.

Nicky

Hi all My question about Agar plates is; whats the secret to making up good nutrient agar plates. My petri dishes were brand new I used the following recipe: 3gm beef extract, 5gm peptone, 15gm agar, 1L distilled water. I tried to be so careful when pouring the agar into the plates but it looks like...

Hi

Try Kmart they still sell those little cans. You would have to buy the carton though.

Hope this helps

Cheers Nicky

Hi Kim

We store our cords on a piece of thin wooden board and clip the cords on top and bottom then hang with a bit of wire on a hook on the walll and back of the door.

Works well, no tangles and easy to count.

Cheers Nicky

Hi Vicki

Perhaps you could try beetroot juice, red wine, cold tea, liquid obtained by boiling geraniums, purple violets or blue hydrangeas. These alternatives were in the Jacaranda Science Book2 page 61.

Hope this helps

Cheers Nicky

Hi Julie

The display is probably more targeted at junior. i was thinking of an equipment display, or rocks or maybe a mobile just something to brighten up the room. Security is a big issue though so not a hands on display. I'm only new to this job so any ideas will be appreciated.

Thanks Nicky

Hi all

I have been asked to set up a science display in one of the labs. It can be anything to do with science. Does anyone have any great ideas that maybe you have set up at your school.

Cheers Nicky[/u]