Pre-Lab: Mushroom Farming
Problem How does the amount of available light affect mushroom growth?
Materials mushroom growing kits, spray bottle with water, metric ruler
Lab Manual Chapter 21 Lab
Skills Focus Form a Hypothesis, Design an Experiment, Organize Data
Connect to the Fungi play an essential role in maintaining homeostasis in ecosystems. Many fungi speed up the decay of dead organisms and help recycle nutrients. Some fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants. These fungi deliver water and minerals to the plant roots. In turn, the plants supply the fungi with sugars. Do fungi grow better in some environments than in others? In this lab, you will investigate how the amount of light affects the growth and reproduction of a species of club fungi.
Review What are fungi?
Review Describe the general structure of a mushroom.
Explain How do fungi that are not in a symbiotic relationship obtain nutrients?
Preview the procedure in the lab manual.
Infer Where will the mushrooms get the nutrients that they need to grow and reproduce?
Relate Cause and Effect Why will you have to wait about ten days to observe the mushrooms?
Apply Concepts The mushrooms you will grow are of a variety that is sold in food stores. Why do the instructions warn you not to eat the mushrooms?
Visit Chapter 21 online to test yourself on chapter content and to find activities to help you learn.
Untamed Science Video Have a look at the fascinating world of mushrooms through the lenses of the Untamed Science crew.
Art in Motion View a short animation that shows the plasmodium life cycle and how malaria is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito.
Art Review Review your understanding of the different structures of a mushroom.
InterActive Art Investigate the structures of an amoeba and paramecium.
Data Analysis Learn how microfossils can be used to learn about conditions and changes in ancient oceans.
Visual Analogy Compare the way boats move to the motion of flagella and cilia in a cell.