Grades 5-6
Fungi – Small Wonders
Life Science
INVESTIGATION OBJECTIVES
1. OBSERVING SEED PLANTS
• observe the seeds of common plants
• identify and label the parts of a seed plant and review the function
n of
each part
• list common characteristics of seed plants
2. MUSHROOMS AND MOLD
• observe a mushroom and some bread mold
• identify and label the parts of a mushroom and mold
• compare the parts of a mushroom and mold to those of seed plants
3. SPORE PRINTS
• compare and contrast spores and seeds
• produce spore prints
4. YEAST IS A FUNGUS TOO!
• observe yeast
• describe the reproductive cycle of yeast
• compare yeast to spore-producing fungi and to seed plants
5. FEEDING FUNGI
• prepare two yeast populations, one with food and one without food
• compare the rate of reproduction of the two yeast populations
• interpret the data to determine the effect of food on the
budding process
6. GROWING A MOLD GARDEN
• observe and compare different kinds of mold
• collect and interpret data on mold growth
• infer that mold grows at different rates on different media
7. BUDDING AND TEMPERATURE
• hypothesize about the effects of temperature on the budding process
in yeast
• set up an experiment to test their hypotheses
• observe the effects of temperature on yeast budding and record the
data on a table using time and temperature as variables
• verify or alter their original hypotheses
8. TESTING FOR PIGMENT
• attempt to extract chlorophyll from a green seed plant, a mushroom,
and mold
• interpret data on the presence of pigment in seed plants and fungi
• infer how fungi obtain food
AS!
9. IT’S A GAS!
ve limewater as an indicator for carbon
ca
• identify and observe
dioxide
• infer that carbon dioxide gas is produced by yeast
during fermentation
product
• describe the role of carbon dioxide in the production
of bread
10. PUTTING YEAST TO WORK
• make pretzel dough, with and without yeast
• observe and compare the two different doughs
• infer the importance of yeast in baking
11. RETARDING FUNGAL GROWTH
• test substances for their ability to retard fungal growth
• interpret data on the effects of various substances on mold growth
• infer appropriate conditions for retarding and preventing
fungal growth
12. FUNGI: GOOD OR BAD?
• recall information about the role of fungi from previous activities
• engage in library research to expand their knowledge about the
problems and uses of fungi
• establish and support with evidence an opinion about the role
of fungi
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