Micro-organisms living on food: plan and do (non-statutory)
I can predict what happens when food is left to decompose over time.
Micro-organisms living on food: plan and do (non-statutory)
I can predict what happens when food is left to decompose over time.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Mould is a micro-organism. It is a type of fungus and can be grouped with other fungi including yeast and mushrooms.
- Mould is common in moist materials and food, such as fruit, bread, cheese and meat.
- Mould needs moisture, warmth and nutrients to grow well.
- Mould can be observed growing on food over time, following strict safety rules.
- Scientists make predictions about what will happen based on the evidence they already have.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that mould is a type of plant because of its colour or the way it grows.
Explain that plants make their own food using photosynthesis and mould does not, so it cannot be a plant. Instead, it gets its nutrients from the organic matter that it is growing on. Also, unlike plants, mould does not need light to survive or grow.
Keywords
Mould - Mould is a type of fungi which grows and forms a fuzzy coating on organic matter.
Micro-organism - A micro-organism is a very tiny living thing.
Fungi - Fungi are a type of micro-organism that feed on organic matter.
Nutrients - Nutrients are important substances that living things use to stay alive and healthy.
Moist - Something moist is something that is damp or a little wet.
Equipment
See additional materials.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
vertebrates
invertebrates
micro-organisms
Exit quiz
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