The world of fungi
Decomposers, fermentation, and chemical change
How do fungi and fermentation change materials — and how do we measure it?
Science inquiry · Unit 4
The world of fungi
Decomposers, fermentation, and chemical change
Material World · Properties and changes of matter
Wero
How do fungi and fermentation change materials — and how do we measure it?
First step
Set up an approved fermentation or decomposition observation; log mass, bubbles, or pH at fixed intervals with one controlled variable.
What you will show
System explanation linking decomposer function to timed chemical-change evidence.
Local place context
What fermentation or decomposition system connects to your community kai or garden?
Material World · Properties and changes of matter
First step
Set up an approved fermentation or decomposition observation; log mass, bubbles, or pH at fixed intervals with one controlled variable.
Expected outcome
System explanation linking decomposer function to timed chemical-change evidence.
You will track fungi or fermentation over time, log measurable change, and explain how decomposers transform materials. How fungi or fermentation change materials — and what evidence (pH, gas, mass, appearance) shows chemical change occurred. Timed observations, pH or indicator readings, bubble/gas notes, and fair-test records with one controlled variable.
Five ways you could investigate
Pick one to start — or write your own question. The AI mentor supports you gently inside your investigation.
Idea 1
pH during fermentation
How does pH change across successive readings during a teacher-approved fermentation?
Start with this question →Idea 2
Gas production rate
Can you measure gas production fairly across two conditions?
Start with this question →Idea 3
Decomposer comparison
Which material breaks down faster — and what measurements show it?
Start with this question →Idea 4
Temperature and reaction speed
Does warming change the rate of observable chemical change?
Start with this question →Idea 5
Before/after mass
What happens to mass when fungi act on a standard sample?
Start with this question →
Five things you could build
Fabrication ideas linked to makerspace tools — 3D print, laser cut, Arduino, data products, and more.
Build 1
Gas capture rig
Laser-cut a simple rig to compare gas volume fairly.
Open in outcome selector →Build 2
pH probe holder
3D print a holder that keeps probes at the same depth.
Open in outcome selector →Build 3
Reaction timeline poster
Show chemical change over time with annotated photos.
Open in outcome selector →Build 4
Enclosure for samples
Laser-cut vented panels for controlled observation.
Open in outcome selector →Build 5
Arduino temperature log
Automate temperature reads during fermentation.
Open in outcome selector →
AI mentor (inside your investigation)
No separate mentor page — support appears in your investigation workspace. It starts gentle: short prompts about your research context, data, and analysis. You or your teacher can turn assistance off for unassisted work, or request more help when you need it. It also guides fabrication choices tied to your evidence.