TO MOLD OR NOT TO MOLD

PROBLEM: What conditions make bread mold grow the fastest?

RESEARCH: Look up mold in a science textbook. Especially look for bread mold. Draw a picture of bread mold. Answer the following question: How is mold different from and the same as plants and animals.

HYPOTHESIS: Which conditions do you think will work best for the mold to grow: warm or cold, moist or dry?

MATERIALS:          bread, tortillas, OR leftover rice – do not use all three          

          water

          3 plastic bags

PROCEDURE:

1. Put some of the bread, tortillas, or leftover rice in all three bags.

2. Label the bags by putting a piece of paper in each bag with a letter A, B, or C.

3. Bag A: Add a little water to the bread and put the bag in a dark place.

4. Bag B: Put the bag in the refrigerator.

5. Bag C: Do not add anything to the bag, but keep it out of the light.

6. Make sure each bag is sealed tightly.

7. Check each bag daily and record any changes in the way the food looks.

8. Enrichment: What could you do to test to see if mold grows better in light or dark? Write a procedure and do what you come up with as part of this project.

DATA: Make a data table to record your observations for each day. Be sure to include your drawings from your research.

CONCLUSION: This is not optional. You must explain what you learned by doing this activity.

Remember that you must answer the question you asked in your original problem statement.

NOTE: BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN SIGNS YOUR WORK. PARENTS: YOUR SIGNATURE SHOWS YOUR STUDENT HAS DONE THE WORK.

TEACHER SECTION:

POSSIBLE HYPOTHESIS: Student should suggest which situation will be better for growing mold.

POSSIBLE CONCLUSION: Mold should brow better where it is warm and moist. Students should discuss the observations that support the conclusion.

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Judy Schneider

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