You can learn more about bread mold (a type of fungus), more about the
scientific method, and get some hands-on experience designing,
conducting, and analyzing a controlled experiment all at the same time.
Here's how; by growing mold on two slices of bread over the next
several weeks and then writing up the results of this experiment in a
scientific lab report.
You will need two slices of bread, some water, another substance of
your choice (this is the "variable" of this experiment), two ziplock
baggies, a safe place to store your molding bread slices as this
experiment unfolds over two weeks, your lab booklet, and enough
personal responsibility to keep yourself checking and recording data on
the experiment each day for the next two weeks.
Put both slices of bread onto a counter and leave them exposed to the
air for an hour or two. This should allow enough time for microscopic
spores present in your house to land on the bread. Next, sprinkle or
spray each slice with enough water to thoroughly dampen the bread's
surface. That will enable the spores to reproduce. Slip one slice into
a ziplock bag (this is the "control" of your experiment). Now saturate
the other slice with your chosen substance (the "variable"). Slide it
into the other ziplock bag. Store both the control and the variable in
a safe place. Observe both slices every day for the next two weeks,
recording any changes you note. Be specific in writing down your
observations. Note changes in the % of mold, the smell, color, and
texture. When mold (usually visible as a color change) grows, you will
need to develop a system for estimating the % of bread it covers. Think
about that now! How will you get an accurate estimate? Remember, when
you are recording your data, be specific!