Do you know what a microbe is? Can you give an example of a microbe, or an example of something they do? 

A microbe is a very small organism, so tiny that we cannot even see it. To observe a microbe, we need a microscope. 

Microbial work

But, there are lots of ways we can see the result of the work microbes do in our everyday life, especially in the foods we eat. Thanks to them, we enjoy delicious foods like bread, yoghurt, and even cheese.

Benficial microbes

Even though these microbes do some wonderful things for us, they are often seen negatively. Many people only know about the microbes that make us sick or unhygienic.

But, did you know, that there are microbes that can be very benefical to the world around us? 

Let’s call them ‘The Super Microbes’ because they are silent superheroes!

This is the story of two related groups of Super Microbes. 

• One of them eats petrol to make plastics that disappear in nature. 
• The other eats the waste left behind in agricultural fields after harvests and produces fuels made out of plants.

Information for teachers

• Activity duration: 20 minutes reading time
• Recommended group size: Any
• Recommended location: Anywhere
• Preparation by teacher needed: No
• Additional materials needed: None