Antibiotic Resistance Lab

A hands-on natural selection investigation your students will not forget.

An outbreak is spreading through a hospital, and antibiotics are suddenly not working the way doctors expected. Students step into the role of infectious disease specialists tasked with investigating why some bacteria survive treatment while others do not.

Through a fast-paced, hands-on simulation, students model how bacterial populations change over time and uncover the real reason antibiotic resistance spreads: natural selection.

🔬 Students will:

• Model the spread of antibiotic resistance using a simple, engaging simulation
• Track changes in bacterial populations across multiple generations
• Test different “treatment plans” and analyze outcomes like real epidemiologists
• Graph data and identify trends in resistant vs. non-resistant bacteria
• Build a CER (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning) explanation of antibiotic resistance

💡 What makes this lab powerful:

• Students see natural selection in action through visible population shifts
• Removes misconceptions like “bacteria adapt because they need to survive”
• Makes antibiotic resistance concrete, visual, and data-driven
• Builds deep understanding of evolution through selection pressure

📊 Skills covered:

• Natural selection and evolution
• Data collection and analysis
• Graphing and interpreting trends
• Scientific reasoning using CER writing
• Cause and effect in biological systems

📦 What’s included:

• Student lab handout with step-by-step simulation instructions
• Data tables and structured recording pages
• Graphing section for visual analysis
• CER writing prompt with supports
• Analysis questions for deeper understanding
• Teacher answer key with sample data, responses, and explanations
• Built-in mid-lab “event” to increase engagement and critical thinking
• Teacher supports including setup tips, differentiation options, pacing guidance, common student misconceptions, and easy implementation notes

🧬 NGSS Alignment:

Supports both middle and high school life science standards, including:

• MS-LS4-4, MS-LS4-6
• HS-LS4-2, HS-LS4-4

⭐ Why teachers love it:

• Uses simple, classroom-friendly materials (beads/beans, cups, and a spoon) for an easy, low-prep, high-engagement setup
• Clear procedures that keep student data consistent and meaningful
• Perfect for introducing or reinforcing natural selection
• Sparks rich discussion about real-world antibiotic resistance
• Works great for biology, life science, or evolution units

Bring evolution to life with a simulation that turns abstract ideas into visible, data-driven discovery.

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If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thanks for visiting!
Jessica