Mouldy Mysteries: What Makes Mould Grow?

Year 6 Science Investigation Exploring the fascinating world of fungi

What Do You Already Know About Mould?

Think about these questions: Where have you seen mould growing? What does mould look like? Why do you think it appears on some foods?

Mould is a Living Organism!

Mould belongs to the fungi kingdom It's not a plant or an animal Fungi are decomposers in nature They help break down dead material

The Four Conditions Mould Needs to Grow

Condition 1: Moisture

Mould loves damp, wet places It needs water to survive and grow Think about: bathrooms, kitchens, basements Even a little bit of moisture is enough!

Condition 2: Warmth

Mould grows faster in warm temperatures Room temperature is perfect for most moulds Cold slows down mould growth Heat can kill some types of mould

Condition 3: Food Source

Mould feeds on organic materials Bread, fruit, and vegetables are perfect food Dead leaves and wood in nature Even dust can provide nutrients!

Mould Detective Activity

Create a mind map about mould Draw or write where you've seen mould Think of one investigation question Example: 'Does mould grow faster in dark or light places?'

Mini Experiment Observation

Look at our mouldy bread sample What conditions helped this mould grow? What would happen in different conditions? Remember: Never touch mould directly!

Scientists Work Together

Scientists collaborate and build on each other's discoveries Your questions today could lead to tomorrow's investigations! Every great discovery started with curiosity

What We've Learned Today

Mould is a living fungus It needs moisture, warmth, food, and time Mould plays an important role in nature We can investigate mould scientifically Home activity: Safely observe mould growth