Hands-on Science Activity for Kids — Explore Mold Growth, Variables, and the Scientific Method
Bring science to life with this engaging Moldy Bread Experiment printable! Kids observe how mold grows under different environmental conditions and learn how moisture, temperature, light, air exposure, and preservatives affect fungal growth. This experiment is simple to set up, highly visual, and perfect for homeschool lessons, STEM units, and elementary science classrooms.
The printable includes everything your child needs to form a hypothesis, conduct the experiment, track daily mold growth, and record a final conclusion—making this a complete scientific method activity.
According to the printable instructions on page 1 of your PDF, students compare variables such as sunny vs. dark, dry vs. wet, cold vs. warm, or preservatives vs. no preservatives to understand how environmental conditions impact mold growth.
What’s Included
✔ Step-by-step experiment instructions
✔ Science Behind the Experiment (Explanation Page)
✔ Daily Observation Sheets
✔ Final Conclusion Page
What You’ll Receive
✔ 1 PDF file (16 pages)
✔ Printable on 8.5x11" paper
✔ B&W set + colored set for all worksheets
✔ Instant download (no physical item)
FAQ
How long does the experiment take?
Store-bought bread with preservatives may take several days for mold to appear. Fresh bread grows mold faster.
Which bread works best?
Use slices from the same loaf to keep variables consistent.
What age group is this for?
Perfect for grades 1–5, but adaptable for older students using deeper scientific analysis.
Is mold safe to observe?
Yes, as long as children do not open the sealed bags. Mold should never be touched directly.
Recommended Activities:
