Microbial Growth on Cantaloupe

You are going to be working with your team of scientists in order to conduct an experiment that will
allow you to observe the growth of microbes on cantaloupe slices. Your team will use the Claim,
Evidence, Reasoning framework to track your thinking and observations throughout the experiment.

Claim
What do you predict will happen when cantaloupe slices are placed in different environments? What will
happen when cantaloupe slices come in contact with different surfaces? Why?
Which environment do you think will produce the most growth of microbes or decomposition (break down)?
Room Temperature and dark

Refrigerator

Support your claim:

Which surface do you think will promote the most microbial growth or decomposition?
Control
Soap and Water
Single human contact
Multiple human contact
Surface contact 1_______
Surface contact 2______

Support your claim by telling why you think that one will show the most growth of microbes or decomposition:

Evidence
You have stated a claim by predicting what you think will happen to the different slices of cantaloupe that are in
different environments and have been in contact with different surfaces. Throughout the experiment you will collect
evidence that will either support your claim or will change your thinking. Your team of scientists will observe your
cantaloupe slices as different microbes start to decompose or break down the fruit. Use the table below to record your
observations throughout the experiment.

Evidence
How do you know that? Draw and/or describe changes that you observe.
Date: ________
Changes that you observe:

Date: ________
Changes that you observe:

Date: ________
Changes that you observe:

Date: ________
Changes that you observe:

Date: ________
Changes that you observe:

Date: ________
Changes that you observe:

Reasoning
As scientists make observations and collect evidence throughout experiments, their thinking tends to change.
Throughout this experiment your thinking and ideas might change based on observations that you make. As this
happens explain what has happened that has changed your thinking and your original claim.

Reasoning
Why does your evidence support your claim? What changes occurred throughout the experiment that changed caused your
thinking to change?How can you use the results of the experiment in your everyday life?

Explanation
Now that you and your team of scientists have conducted the experiment and observed the changes to the cantaloupe
it is time to report your findings.
Which environment promoted the most microbial growth or decomposition? How about the least amount?Why do you think?

Which surface promoted the most microbial growth or decomposition? How about the least? Why do you think?

Describe one observation or finding that was the most surprising or interesting. Why did you think it was surprising or
interesting?