On 4 November, 8A and 8B students visited the Health Museum as part of the KIK programme. The aim of the lesson was to learn about the micro-world around us: single-celled fungi and bacteria.

After a brief discussion about the similarities and differences between yeast and lactic acid bacteria, the children were asked to do an experiment to see what conditions are needed for yeast to multiply rapidly. This experiment clearly demonstrated how the fermentation process takes place and why the yeast dough rises and smells peculiar.

The following tasks were related to the microscope. The students made their own preparation of bacteria living in yoghurt and observed it under the microscope. Even under high magnification, the bacteria looked like tiny droplets. The yeast preparation was easier because its cells are bigger than the bacteria. The lesson was in Estonian, but the eighth-graders actively participated in the conversation, answering questions from the museum staff and completing workbooks.

Olga Kalakauskene. Photo.