Experiment 1 for the biology science project - There is something green on my bread!
Say no to mold! - Water
Background
A biology science project about molds won't be complete without some sort of discussion about molds and water. Why you ask? Simply because like all other life forms, molds cannot survive without good old di-hydrogen oxide.
Let's do science...
The Experiment
Water is important to a mold – we have established that fact. In this part of the biology science project about molds you are going to investigate just how important it is...
The Aim
To determine if the lack of water will result in mold not growing or will slow down the growth of mold.
Equipment Needed
Moldy bread (check out the
Growing smelly fluff!!
experiment to find out how to get moldy bread.)
Fresh bread (at least 3 slices).
Water.
A toaster.
3 seal-able containers.
Method
Each of the containers will have a slice of bread in it, with varying amounts of moisture on the bread.
Dry one slice out. How do you do this – toast it. Not too much, but just until it is nicely brown. Resist eating it with hot butter and syrup and place it in one of the containers.
The second slice of bread you are going to put in the container and then sprinkle water on it until it is nicely moist (not floating in water, just moist).
The last slice of bread will be put into the container – just like that. This will be an in-between wetness and also act as the control for the experiment.
Before you seal the containers, take the moldy bread that you have and give it one good shake over the bread in each of the containers. (This step is optional, but does speed up the process a little). WARNING: Do this step in a well ventilated place – like outside – and do not breathe in too deeply when shaking the moldy bread.
Seal the containers and place them in a dark, warm place – like in the cupboard under a sink.
Results
This is what you should see happening:
The bread that is moist will grow mold faster than the other two, with the toast growing little or none at all.
The Conclusion
By taking water away from food, the growth of mold is slowed down or prevented.
Back to the biology science project for this experiment.
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