The fungi kingdom is full of many amazing organisms. Whether you go for a mushroom hunt or bake a loaf of bread using yeast, take penicillin for an ear infection or come down with a case of ringworm, fungi are involved. We took a look at the three main types of fungi-yeast, mushrooms, and mold-and then did a lab that explores the characteristics of life in yeast. We set up two water bottles with yeast, adding sugar to one, and then warm water to both. Using a balloon to seal off the container, we then waited for a sign that the yeast was eating, and producing gas as a by-product. Additional AcitivitiesVideos:
You Didn't Know Mushrooms Could Do All This! You probably didn't know mushrooms could be used to construct buildings and cure diseases. Mushrooms are being tested in innovative and imaginative ways to help society. Engineers, medical researchers, and designers are utilizing the natural abilities of various fungi for antibiotics, building materials, water filtration, toxic waste cleanup, pest abatement, textiles, and other purposes. Bleeding Tooth Fungus Growing among the trees is a fungus that looks like it’s bleeding, on this episode we bring you the world’s weirdest mushroom. Mushroom Bloom Time Lapse A two minute look at mushrooms blooming. Baker's Yeast Under Microscope Baker's Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a single celled fungus used in baking. When the fungus is added to dough, it produces carbon dioxide as it consumes sugar. Books and Articles The Funky Science of Yeast Check out this National Geographic article all about the gassy microbe behind bread making. Penicillin: Who Found This Functional Fungus Read about the scientist who accidentally discovered the first antibiotic! Activities Make Spore Prints This is a little bit science, a little bit art. Capture the spores released by mushrooms on paper. Catching the Wild Yeast Try this simple experiment to catch some of the microscopic yeast cells that are floating in the air around you. Putting the Fun Into Learning About Fungi Check out this post with lots of information about Fungi and several fun activities--watch yeast budding under a microscope, make elephant toothpaste, or make a Rot Museum. Try growing your own mushrooms. You can start with a kit or if you are ready for a bit more of a challenge, grow them from spores. Watch yeast in action by making bread, pizza dough, or fermenting your own pickles or sauerkraut. It's a great way to experience some of the good things fungi do for us, and it's fun to get to eat your finished product.
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April 2021
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