Mould

Globule wonders...

What is mould?

Experiment: Mould

Hypotheses: Ask children if they have ever seen mould. Ask them what mould is and how it is formed.

Material:

• 3 slices of bread
• 3 small plates
• 3 plastic bags ("Ziploc")
• Water
• A pinch of sugar
• Permanent marker

Manipulations:

1. Place 2 tablespoons of water and a pinch of sugar in the first plate.
   
   
2. Place a slice of bread on the plate. Allow it to become saturated with water.
   
   
3. In the second plate, add only 2 tablespoons of water.
   
   
4. Place a slice of bread in this plate too. Allow it to become saturated with water.
   
   
5. Deposit the last slice of the bread in the third plate without adding any water.
   
   
6. Set aside until the next day.
   
   
7. The following day, place the slices of bread in the plastic bags and seal.
   
   
8. Your daycare worker will identify the contents of the bags with a permanent marker (air, water, and sugar/air and water/air).
   
   
9. Observe the slices of bread each day for at least a week. Do not open the bags! You might spread an unpleasant odour!

Explanations: The mould which forms on the bread is really LIVE mushrooms! They must eat to multiply. They feed off of water, sugar, and oxygen (found in the air). This is why the slice of bread which was saturated with sugar water has the most mould and the one exposed only to air has the least mould.

Angélique Boissonneault

has a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science. She has worked in a laboratory and tested her knowledge. She has taught Math, Chemistry, and Physics. She has also developed a simplistic and innovative approach designed to introduce young children to scientific experiments, old and new. She created her friend Globule. This character is sometimes red, and sometimes white. He guides little ones through their scientific experiments and discoveries. It is clear to see Angélique is passionate about children and science. Globule's Approach.