1. Set up small paper like this: Last, First Date Subject, Period Scientific Investigation Quiz

2. Fungi are one of the strangest organisms on the planet.

3. For centuries, scientists debated whether fungi was a type of plant, or whether was more like an animal. ? Plant-like Animal-like

4. This debate was ended in 1969, when mycologists (fungi researchers) performed a scientific investigation to determine fungi’s place in the tree of life.

5. 1. First, a researcher noted that fungi are almost always found attached to other objects, often rotting wood or other organic debris. State whether this observation is quantitative or qualitative, AND defend your answer.

6. 2. Furthermore, the researcher noted that many fungi – such as black molds – prefer to grow in dark, damp places such as caves, attics, and basements. State whether this observation is quantitative or qualitative, AND defend your answer.

7. 3. Another researcher noted that fungi come in an incredible array of colors and structures, as shown below; some fungi are even bioluminescent. State whether this observation is quantitative or qualitative, AND defend your answer.

8. 4. One of the strangest things about fungi the researchers noted is the incredible speed of their growth (mushrooms can appear on a lawn overnight!) State whether this observation is quantitative or qualitative, AND defend your answer.

9. 5. Based on the researchers’ observations: a. make an inference about whether fungi are a type of plant or not. b. Cite the observation that most strongly supports your inference. Observations Commonly found attached to other objects Prefer to grow in dark, damp places Come in a wide array of colors and structures Incredible speed of growth

10. Next, the researchers want to know: if fungi are not a type of plant, then how do they obtain energy? When mushrooms grow on a log…are they actually eating the log?

11. 6. The researchers want to do an experiment, but they’re not sure which type of fungus to use. They investigate several species before selecting Aspergillus, a type of mold that grows on fruit. Identify this step of the scientific method, and explain why it is done. X X

12. 7. Now the researchers have a very specific hypothesis: Aspergillus grows on fruit because it is eating the fruit. State the researchers’ next step, and explain why it is done.

13. The researchers obtain three peaches weighing a total of 170 grams. If their hypothesis is correct, then the mass of the peaches should decrease as the Aspergillus grows.

14. Data table from the experiment: DayWeight 1170 g 2168 g 3154 g 4141 g 5129 g 6124 g 7121 g

15. 8. Based on the data, draw a conclusion. DayWeight 1170 g 2168 g 3154 g 4141 g 5129 g 6124 g 7121 g

16. 9. Now that the researchers have a conclusion, identify their next step AND explain the purpose of this step.

17. It’s possible that the peaches were losing mass due to water evaporation, and not because they were being eaten by the mold.

18. 10. Explain how the researchers’ supported hypothesis could become a theory.