Microbiology is the study of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These days, we have become more interested in how microbes spread than ever before, because what we learn helps us better understand what is going on in our lives as we adjust to living, working and learning in the presence of COVID-19.

There are many kinds of bacteria and viruses. Some bacteria can make us sick. For example, bacteria cause strep throat. Others can cause food poisoning. But not all bacteria are bad. There are good bacteria in places like soil, food, and in our bodies. Bacteria are everywhere.

Viruses are a different type of microbe. They cause many illnesses, including the common cold and the flu. One kind of viruses are known as corona viruses; one of these causes COVID-19.

Working with viruses is difficult. In this experiment you will see an example of how microbes like bacteria and fungii grow and spread, and you will discover under what circumstances they spread with the most success. This knowledge can help you prevent the spread of all kinds of bad microbes, including viruses.