Inquiry-driven Teaching & Learning Using the Archaeal Microorganism Halobacterium NRC-1

Abstract

Access to microorganisms in the classroom is essential for teaching fundamental concepts of life sciences, yet most are neither safe nor accessible for classroom instruction. Halobacterium NRC-1, a member of the Domain Archaea, is ideal for engaging students through inquiry-based teaching and learning in the classroom. We introduce this colorful model microbe and provide many ways in which it can be used for experiential learning, including life in extreme environments, basic microbiology skills, action of antibiotics, genotype-phenotype connection, genomics and bioinformatics, and applications in biotechnology.