Moist Chamber Experiments for Growing Fungi

TRY GROWING YOUR OWN MOLDS IN A MOIST CHAMBER!!!

The material that supports the growth of a fungus is called its substrate. A commercially prepared medium like potato agar is one kind of substrate, but any organic material can be used.

The simplest method of growing molds is to put a substrate like bread in a moist chamber. The substrate provides nutrients, and the chamber maintains the high humidity that favors the growth of fungi. Placing a slice of bread, fruit or vegetable, or a leaf in a plastic sandwich bag is a simple way to use this method. The small plastic bag must have a tie, a fold-over top or another way of sealing it. Mold growth should be visible after 3 to 5 days. If you want to try this experiment, follow the directions below.

You will need the following items:

Substrate material
Sandwich bags with a tie, fold top or "zip lock".
A marker to label the bags.
Damp, NOT WET, paper towels.

Making the moist chambers

Label the bags with a number so you can tell them apart.
Place a damp towel in each bag.
Place a slice of bread or other substrate on top of the damp towel.
Seal the bags.
Record the substrate put in each bag.
Place the bags in a warm area out of direct sunlight where they will not be disturbed.
Check the bags each day. Fungal growth should be visable in 3 to 5 days. Fungi are fuzzy or hairy and may be green, white, black, yellow, etc. Bacterial colonies are shiny or slimy and may also be different colors.
Record the number, color, and size of the fungal colonies. One very fast growing fungus, the Galloping Grey Ghost (Rhizopus stolonifer), may completely cover bread in just a couple of days.

Questions to help design experiments

Are there differences in the numbers and kinds of fungi growing on different kinds of bread?
Does preservative in some bread affect the numbers and kinds of molds?
Are there differences in the numbers and kinds of fungi growing on bread compared to carrots?