Mold Growth on Bread

Students test how moisture affects mold growth on bread by comparing a dry slice with a moistened slice stored in sealed bags. Over time, they observe and record fungal growth, learning about decomposition and environmental factors influencing microbes.

1. Label two plastic bags “Wet Bread” and “Dry Bread.”
2. Place 10 drops of water on one slice of bread and seal it inside the “Wet Bread” bag.
3. Place a dry slice into the “Dry Bread” bag and seal it.
4. Store both bags in a warm, dark location such as a cupboard.
5. Predict which slice will mold faster and record your hypothesis.
6. Check the bags daily for 7–10 days, recording observations in a notebook or chart.
7. Do not open the bags; observe mold growth through the plastic.
8. At the end of the experiment, compare results and draw conclusions.

Mouldy Bread Science Experiment - TheDadLab:

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📄 Bread Mold Experiment - Little Bins for Little Hands: https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/bread-mold-experiment/

📄 Moldy Bread Experiment – What Makes Mold Grow? - MomBrite: https://www.mombrite.com/moldy-bread-experiment/

• Test different types of bread (white, whole wheat, gluten-free).
• Vary the amount of water added (5, 10, 20 drops).
• Compare growth in warm vs. cold conditions.
• Compare bread stored in sunlight vs. darkness.
• Leave one slice unsealed to test the effect of air exposure.

• Never open the bags once mold growth has started.
• Do not touch or inhale mold spores; always keep samples sealed.
• Dispose of sealed bags in the trash after the experiment is complete.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling materials.

• Which slice of bread molded first? Why? (Moist bread molds faster because fungi need moisture to grow.)
• What conditions help mold grow best? (Warmth, moisture, air exposure.)
• Why shouldn’t moldy bread be eaten? (Mold produces spores and toxins that can be harmful.)
• What role do fungi play in ecosystems? (They decompose organic matter, recycling nutrients.)
• How does this experiment model how food spoils at home? (Moist, warm conditions encourage microbial growth.)