Outbreak Lab
Mission 01 — The Unknown Microbe
Welcome, Scientist. A new case has arrived at Atenu BioLab. A local health center has reported several people with similar symptoms. The cause is unknown.
Your mission is to examine prepared samples, use the microscope correctly, collect evidence, and identify the most likely type of microorganism involved.
Case File: Unknown Microbe Investigation
Dr. Hana Bekele:
Scientist, we have received four prepared samples. Your task is not to
guess the cause. Investigate. Use the microscope, record your
observations, compare the evidence, and submit a scientific conclusion.
You will examine Samples A, B, C, and D. Your goal: decide whether each shows evidence of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, a possible virus, or no clear evidence.
These samples are already safely prepared. In real laboratories,
scientists follow strict safety procedures when handling unknown
biological materials.
Laboratory Access Check
ATENU-LAB AI:
Confirm your lab readiness. Good scientists protect themselves, protect
others, and protect the evidence.
Microscope Station
Dr. Hana:
Verify the main parts before using it. A scientist must understand the
tool before trusting the result.
Sample Preparation
Dr. Hana:
The samples are already prepared on slides. Place the slide correctly
and begin with the right magnification.
Click the steps in the correct order:
0 / 6 steps
Interactive Microscope
Dr. Hana:
This is your microscope. Click the lenses on the revolver to change
magnification, drag the slide to position the specimen, and turn the
coarse and fine focus knobs to sharpen the image. You must use all
three lenses, move the slide, and achieve a clear focus to continue.
Practice with the microscope. The progress dots on the left fill in as you demonstrate each skill.
Sample A: Microscopic Observation
Evidence Board
Dr. Hana:
Organize the evidence. Connect observations to conclusions.
Bacteria
Fungi
Protozoa
Possible virus / further testing
Submit Scientific Report
Dr. Hana:
A scientific report must include evidence, not guesses.
Mission Complete
Dr. Hana:
Excellent work, Scientist. You used the microscope, recorded
observations, compared evidence, and respected the limits of your tool.
That is how real science works.
Key Lesson:
A light microscope can help observe cells, bacteria, fungi, and some
protozoa. Viruses are usually too small to be seen clearly with a normal
light microscope. When evidence is limited, scientists do not guess.
They recommend further testing.