My old fruit

Which fruits go mouldy quickest?

Do not be tempted to eat the fruit after the investigation - even if it is only "a bit mouldy".  You could still end up with stomach ache!

Be careful if you need to use sharp knives or implements.

PLAN

Obtain various fresh fruits.

Observe them regularly until they have all gone mouldy.

Make notes; draw pictures; take photographs.

I WILL NEED

Various fruits.

Paper and pencil.

I MAY NEED

Camera.

FAIR TEST

Be sure to keep the fruit separated so that each piece is not affected by any of the other pieces.

PREDICTION

Which fruits do you think will go mouldy first?

Which will last the longest?

Why do you think so?

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY

Observation plays a very important part in this investigation.

You may wish to draw the fruit at some stage, or take photographs.

Take notice especially of the changes in colour. (You could use a colour chart to help with this.)

COLLECT

DATA

Was there any change in the colour of the fruit?

When did the first specks of mould appear?

How quickly did this spread?

Record clearly and neatly.

ANALYSE

DATA

You could place the fruits in order  of going mouldy.

PRESENT

FINDINGS

Perhaps your results would best be presented in visual form.

Could you draw pictures or diagrams?

Could you take some photographs?

EVALUATE

INVESTIGATION

If you have carried out this investigation, click the icon to send in your results to Brainboxx and we may publish your work on the website.  It is best to e-mail the results of your investigation or you may need to send them by post.  Make sure you get permission from a teacher, parent or other adult before you get in touch.

Fruit facts