Shapes of bacteria

3D Model

The three basic shapes of bacteria are bacillus (rod-shaped), coccus (spherical-shaped), and spirillum (spiral-shaped).

Preparation Prepare a chenille stem (formerly pipe cleaner) and a small bowl of play dough for each student. After instruction on the 3 cell shapes of bacteria, prepare play dough and a chenille stem for each student. Before the students begin, review the shapes by asking the students to recall the 3 shapes. Also, ask students how many cells a bacterium has. Remind them that all bacteria are one-celled organisms.

Variations Different colors of play dough could be used if more visible to students with low vision.