The activity requires that students learn about a particular microbial group and how environmental factors influence that particular microbial group. The students can use the particular microorganisms they researched through the entire term and subject them to other selective factors, such as the ability to ferment or degrade different substrates. Divide the class into groups, and assign each a microbe or microbial group. Out of class, the student team researches its microbe or its microbial group, including the tolerance ranges for temperature, pH, salinity, oxygen concentration, etc. The student teams gather together in class.
All students stand.
An environmental factor is picked out of hat. Groups which remain standing may have to justify why they can grow in the environment, either orally or in writing.