Samantha Gabriel and her GT/Pre-AP students at Frenship Ninth Grade Center tested out the “5-Second Rule,” thanks to an Operation Round Up Teacher Mini-Grant.

Concern for Community is one of the Seven Cooperative Principles guiding South Plains Electric Cooperative. Giving back to our community gives our Cooperative the opportunity to support community efforts that enhance the quality of life for members and their families. Operation Round Up helps provide funding for community members in need.

With the grant to Gabriel, her students tested the 5-Second Rule theory on crackers and grapes. Placing the food items in high-traffic areas around the school, students examined bacteria growth that occurred to the food. The students swabbed an agar plate with their collected sample and collected data as the bacterial colonies grew. This increased students‘ graphical literacy, understanding of binary fission and laboratory skills.

Operation Round Up is funded by Cooperative members rounding their bill up to the nearest dollar.

Click here for more information about the program.