Microbiology pracs are widely performed in secondary schools throughout Australia, and with the right preparation, they can be simple, reliable and a great learning experience. This hands-on workshop will present an overview of the equipment, methods and techniques that are the key to successful microbiology activities in schools. In addition, we will discuss suitable micro-organisms, safety aspects and the things that can go wrong. Participants will also learn about an alternative approach using Petrifilm instead of traditional agar plates.