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About This Simulation
Perform the Gram stain on a sample collected from the patient and use microscopy to identify the presence of bacteria to help guide the proper antibiotic treatment. Screen reader support enabled.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the structure of the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
- Appreciate theoretical and technical aspects of the Gram staining procedure
- Know the most commonly made mistakes in Gram staining
- Critically interpret the results of a Gram staining experiment using a light microscope
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Preparation of bacterial smears
- The Gram stain technique
- Light microscopy
Related Standards
- Early Stage Bachelors Level
- EHEA First Cycle
- FHEQ 6
- SCQF 9
- US College Year 2
- US College Year 1
- EHEA Short Cycle
- LS2.A-H1
- Biology Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
- Biology 1.3 Membrane structure
- Biology 6.3 Defence against infectious disease
Learn More About This Simulation
This short, targeted simulation is adapted from the full-length “The Gram Stain: Identify and differentiate bacteria” simulation.
Did you know that there are approximately 5 million-trillion-trillion bacteria in the world? Most of them are harmless, but some can induce disease in an affected host. In this simulation, you will help doctors identify bacteria in a cerebrospinal fluid sample from a patient suspected of suffering from bacterial meningitis.
Visit the patient in the hospital
First, you will visit an ill patient in the hospital, where you will get the chance to talk to the doctor about meningitis and the structures of the central nervous system. You will get the chance to meet a famous bacteriologist from the past, Hans Christian Gram. He will walk you through the four reagents of the Gram stain that interact with structural components of the cell wall to color the bacteria.
Perform the Gram stain
When the patient’s fluid sample arrives at the laboratory, equip yourself with protective gear to prepare a bacterial smear and heat fix it to a glass slide. You are now ready to perform the Gram stain in a safe virtual environment. Made a mistake? No worries, hit the big red button on the workbench to repeat the staining procedure until it becomes second nature.
Interpret your findings using a microscope
In the end, you will use a light microscope to interpret the results of your Gram stain. View the microscopic image on the computer screen, and apply immersion oil to increase magnification 1000x! Will you be able to identify the presence of any bacteria in the patient´s cerebrospinal fluid?
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For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
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A Labster virtual lab is an interactive, multimedia assignment that students access right from their computers. Many Labster virtual labs prepare students for success in college by introducing foundational knowledge using multimedia visualizations that make it easier to understand complex concepts. Other Labster virtual labs prepare learners for careers in STEM labs by giving them realistic practice on lab techniques and procedures.
Labster’s virtual lab simulations are created by scientists and designed to maximize engagement and interactivity. Unlike watching a video or reading a textbook, Labster virtual labs are interactive. To make progress, students must think critically and solve a real-world problem. We believe that learning by doing makes STEM stick.
Yes, Labster is compatible with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, Moodle, and many others. Students can access Labster like any other assignment. If your institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log into Labster’s Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide which is the best access method.
Labster is available for purchase by instructors, faculty, and administrators at education institutions. Purchasing our starter package, Labster Explorer, can be done using a credit card if you are located in the USA, Canada, or Mexico. If you are outside of North America or are choosing a higher plan, please speak with a Labster sales representative. Compare plans.
Labster supports a wide range of STEM courses at the high school, college, and university level across fields in biology, chemistry, physics, and health sciences. You can identify topics for your courses by searching our Content Catalog.