We need a hold on mold!
Plants and the Environment- Grade:
- 6
- Teacher:
- Dawn Popovic
I was intrigued by a type of fungi known as Ophiocordyceps unilaterus. It was a type of parasitic fungi that had been forced to adapt from temperatures over 100°F. However, I wanted to test how well an other type of more common and safer fungi grew in temperatures similar to that. Instead, I experimented on Rhizopus stolonifer. I had three sets of five petri dishes, each kept in different temperatures. Set one had a temperature of 97.3°F. Set two had a temperature of 46.98°F. My hypothesis was that the growth would be the most in the hottest group. The control group had a temperature of 74.9°F. He growth was measured over five days daily. Growth was measured vertically to counteract the upwards growth density. Temperatures were checked from 4 PM to 7 PM to ensure that they were little to no temperature fluctuation. My hypothesis was supported in that the growth would be the most in Set one. By using both T value and P value, we can ensure that the experiment is viable and can be repeated with the same results. These results provide evidence for food safety, and public health. As Yuma is a major agricultural producer of lettuce, we can provide the correct information to avoid spore growth during harvest station, transportation, and to your pantry.
Great narrative and idea keep trying ;)!
You demonstrated strong scientific thinking in this project. I appreciated how carefully you set up your groups, measured growth over time, and used graphs to explain your results. Your project was detailed, well researched, and showed genuine curiosity. Keep up the great work.
Your project offers a comprehensive and thoughtful exploration of how temperature influences the growth of Rhizopus stolonifer, a common mold with significant implications for food safety and agriculture. Your solid research background, careful experimental design, and thorough data analysis lend strong credibility to your results. The link you established between mold growth, climate change, and agricultural practices is particularly timely and impactful. Your attention to safety and detailed methodology reflect excellent scientific responsibility. For future studies, incorporating more precise temperature controls and extending the observation period could provide even deeper insights. Excellent work integrating biology, environmental science, and practical applications!