Magnifying Glass 4X

What are molds?  Molds include all species of microscopic fungi (same family as mushrooms) that grow in the form of many celled filaments, called hyphae. Although some molds cause disease or food spoilage, others are useful for their role in biodegradation or in the production of various foods, beverages, antibiotics and enzymes.

Ingredients:

• Three cups (should be the same type of cups)
• Left over food: coffee, oranges, and breads work great.
• Magnifying glass (provided)

What to do:

• Place a sample of a single leftover food in each of three cups.
• Put one cup in a sunny window.
• Place the second one in the refrigerator
• Place the third cup in a dark cupboard. 

Where do you think the mold is going to grow best?

Look inside the cups every day for several days and write down what you see.  Use your magnifying glass for help. (It may take a few days for the mold to start growing.)