Fungus Activity

Rain is important to farmers. They need rain to fall when the crops are growing, but rain at the wrong time of the year can bring disaster. Rain at the end of the growing season can cause crops to go mouldy - and who wants to eat mouldy crops?

Where does the mould come from?

Moulds are fungi, and air contains spores from many different kinds of fungi. If they find a warm moist place to land on, they'll grow.

The air around you has spores from fungi in it and you can find out what they are by doing this activity.

What do you need?

• A few slices of bread. Homemade bread is best because it doesn't contain preservatives.
• Plates that you can throw away, plastic ones are best.
• Clear plastic or clear plastic bags.
• Water.

What do you do?

• Take 3 or 4 slices of bread (preferably homemade) and put each on a saucer.
• Leave the bread exposed to the air for a few hours.
• Moisten the bread and then cover it with clear plastic. Keep the bread covered at all times to avoid breathing in harmful spores.
• Leave it in a warm spot.
• Check the bread every day for signs of fungi.
• Draw the fungi you see, or take photos.
• Keep the bread in its plastic cover when you throw it away.