Focus Question
Have you ever seen fuzzy or slimy stuff growing on food that has been left in the refrigerator for too long? What in the world is that stuff? What does it do?

Activity Synopsis
Students will conduct an experiment on decomposition by placing different types of food sprayed with water in glass jars, sealing the jars and observing what happens to the food over time.

Time Frame
Initial set-up of experiments will take students approximately 30-50 minutes. Students will need to record observations, daily or every other day, for two weeks. Students will need 15-30 minutes to record observations.

Student Key Terms

• bacteria
• decay
• decomposer
• decomposition
• fungus
• organism
• waste

Teacher Key Terms

•   spores